DECEMBER NEWS ROUND UP

Here’s to December, a month where you think it’s winding down but the following organisations have some BIG NEWS to shout about in the months coming to the end of 2022. 
 
Alcon announce their plan to reduce their global workforce by 2%
 
In a bid to reduce costs for the organisation globally, Alcon have announced their plans to cut their workforce by 2%. At this point, the company have provided little information regarding the job titles at risk of being laid off. It’s estimated that the organisation currently have over 24,389 employees worldwide by the end of 2021. This means that 480 workers globally will be in the firing line. Alongside this, the company have announced that their cost cutting plans expects to have incremental run-rate savings of $100 million to improve efficiency. The plans to reduce costs will remain in place until the end of 2023. 
 
For anyone affected by this disappointing cost-saving tactic, please feel free to reach out to us to discuss your future plans, we would be more than happy to assist you in finding something new!
 
 
Harrow to acquire Opthalmic products from Novatris 
 
The $175 million deal has lead to a binding agreement in which Harrow have announced their acquisition of five Novataris Opthalmic products. However, they have only acquired the US rights to their FDA-approved ophthalmic medications. It’s been expected to close in early 2023. Here’s the products that Harrow have acquired the US rights to:

• Ilevro (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) 0.3%, a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory eye drop indicated for pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery
• Nevanec (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) 0.1%, a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory eye drop indicated for pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery
• Vigamox (moxifloxacin hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 0.5%, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drop for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of organisms
• Maxidex (dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) 0.1%, a steroid eye drop for steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe
• Triesence (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) 40 mg/ml, a steroid injection for the treatment of certain ophthalmic diseases and for visualization during vitrectomy

 
This is a landmark acquisition for Harrow and propose to contribute immediately to their revenues and compliment their current product portfolio of ophthalmic prescription products. 
 
Amgen to acquire Horizon Therapeutics 
 
In a deal worth $27.8 billion, Amgen have announced their acquisition of the unusual disease drug company Horizon Therapeutics. As an organisation, Horizon Therapeutics manufacture Tepezza and Uplizna the eye disease drugs. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2023. 
 
 
Lumibird Medical Launches Tango Reflex Neo YAG/SLT Laser 
 
The next generation YAG/LST laser, known as the Tango Reflex Neo (by Ellex) is a fully integrated Q-switched Nd:YAG and the frequency doubled Ng:YAG laser for anterior-segment YAG and glaucoma indications. This second-generation Reflex technology enchances visualization anterior and posterior segments. 
 
New features introduced with the laser include Imprint, a dynamic heads-up display with real-time view of treatment settings within the binoculars; joystick control of energy settings; and up to 2 mm YAG posterior offset, facilitating PROcap (Premium Refractive Outcome Capsulotomies).
 
 
Thea Pharma announced FDA approval of Glaucoma drug, Iyuzeh 
 
The FDA have approved Thea Pharma’s new glaucoma drug, Iyuzeh 0.005% for the treatment of reduction of elevated IOP in patients with open-angled glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This drug does not contain preservatives and it is the first, and only preservative free formulation of latanoprost in the USA. 
 
Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness. This is often caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. 
 
We’re keeping our eyes peeled for the start of 2023 when we’ll see the plans coming to fruition and how this affected the eyecare space globally and patients within.