- Alcon (ALC, Financial) to acquire LumiThera and its photobiomodulation (PBM) device for early and intermediate dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
- PBM device has shown significant vision improvement in clinical trials, addressing a major unmet need in retinal disease treatment.
- Transaction expected to complete in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary conditions and shareholder approval.
Alcon (ALC), a global leader in eye care, has announced its plans to acquire LumiThera, Inc., an innovator in light-based ophthalmic treatments. This strategic acquisition will give Alcon access to LumiThera's pioneering photobiomodulation (PBM) device, designed for the treatment of early and intermediate dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Dry AMD affects nearly 200 million people globally and is a leading cause of blindness with limited treatment options available.
The PBM device has demonstrated in clinical trials, including the pivotal LIGHTSITE III study, its ability to significantly improve visual acuity in patients with dry AMD. Results show that patients undergoing PBM treatment gained one line of visual acuity on average, with 88% maintaining or improving their vision over two years.
This acquisition highlights Alcon's commitment to expanding its offerings in retinal disease treatment, a category with substantial unmet needs. The transaction, which excludes some diagnostic devices to be spun-off to LumiThera's shareholders, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and shareholder approval.
With this acquisition, Alcon aims to leverage its global commercial and clinical expertise to make PBM therapy more widely accessible, emphasizing its dedication to addressing significant eye health issues worldwide.
