Alcon has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LenSx Lasers, a privately held company that developed the first femtosecond laser to receive FDA clearance for use as a part of cataract surgery.
The LenSx system is indicated for anterior capsulotomy and laser phacofragmentation during cataract surgery, providing a complementary surgical approach to certain manual steps within the traditional cataract procedure.
Alcon is expected to pay $361.5m in cash at closing to LenSx shareholders for their shares, plus maximum contingent payments of $382.5m based upon the achievement and over-achievement of future femtosecond unit and procedure fee revenue milestones.
The innovative LenSx laser platform enables surgeons to perform some of the most delicate manual steps of cataract surgery with image-guided visualization and micron level laser precision. The LenSx laser enhances a surgeon’s ability to predictably create a well centered anterior capsulorhexis of exact diameter, and to effectively fragment the lens for removal with minimised phaco time and power.
Stuart Raetzman, vice president of global marketing and area president for the US, said: “This complementary technology aligns with Alcon’s strategic focus to help surgeons improve every step of the cataract procedure. The LenSx laser provides surgeons a new level of predictability and control over critical manual steps during cataract removal making those steps more precise and reliable.”
The closing of the acquisition is subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.