Alcon to acquire Optonol

Alcon, which deals primarily in pharmaceutical products, has announced that it will purchase Optonol in a bid to move into the glaucoma surgery market.

The latter company specialises in the development, manufacture and marketing of novel miniature surgical implants designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma sufferers.

As a result of the acquisition, Alcon will gain Optonol’s Ex-PRESS Mini Glaucoma Shunt, therefore adding to the company’s portfolio of products designed to lower IOP in glaucoma patients.

Robert Warner, Alcon’s vice-president of pharmaceutical products, commented: “This transaction demonstrates Alcon’s strong commitment to providing physicians with comprehensive treatment options for patients with glaucoma – the world’s second leading cause of blindness.”

In October, Alcon published its financial results for the third quarter of 2009 – reporting net earnings for the period of $515 million (314 million British pounds) – the equivalent of $1.71 per diluted share.