Swiss-American ophthalmic devices maker Alcon has agreed to acquire LumiThera, a US-based company specialising in light-based innovations in ophthalmology.
The acquisition includes LumiThera’s photo-bio-modulation (PBM) device for early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Dry AMD leads to vision loss due to the dysfunction and breakdown of retinal cells in the macula, which is crucial for sharp central vision.
As the disease progresses, patients experience distorted vision, potentially leading to complete vision loss, affecting daily activities like reading and driving.
LumiThera’s PBM device is the only option to show significant vision improvement for patients with early to intermediate dry AMD.
The acquisition does not include AdaptDx and Nova/Diopsys diagnostic devices, which will be spun off to LumiThera’s shareholders before the acquisition.
Alcon and LumiThera are expected to complete the acquisition in the third quarter of 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions and a LumiThera shareholder vote.
Alcon global surgical franchise vice president and general manager Sean Clark said: “For more than 25 years, Alcon has been a leader in vitreoretinal surgery, and we are excited to expand our offerings into the clinic, to help millions of people living with dry AMD gain vision.
“Dry AMD is an area of significant unmet need, and PBM is an efficacious, non-invasive light therapy that can provide visual improvement for patients with early and intermediate disease.
“With Alcon’s global commercial and clinical expertise, we have the potential to make this therapy more broadly available to Eye Care Professionals and their patients, while continuing to strengthen its body of clinical evidence.”
The PBM device leverages low-level light to stimulate mitochondrial energy production, promoting retinal cell health.
It employs three specific wavelengths to deliver non-phototoxic light therapy. The non-invasive treatments are administered in a clinical setting, ensuring patient comfort.
Clinical trials, including LIGHTSITE 1, 2, and 3, have consistently demonstrated that PBM treatments improve visual acuity without serious adverse events.
The LIGHTSITE 3 study, conducted at 10 sites across the US, evaluated two years of PBM treatment against a control light therapy.
Key findings from the LIGHTSITE 3 study include an average visual acuity improvement in PBM-treated eyes, with patients gaining one line of visual acuity from baseline.
LumiThera president and CEO Clark Tedford said: “At LumiThera, we have been committed to developing novel light therapy technologies that address dry AMD.
“Our PBM device provides a non-invasive treatment for dry AMD patients that can improve vision and address the disease earlier, before permanent vision loss.
“We are thrilled that Alcon agrees in the potential that this device has to change the lives of millions living with dry AMD, and we are confident that Alcon has the capabilities to broadly commercialise it.”
