GLG News by Dr. Steve Rubinstein OD, Optometrist
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
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Contact Lens Nirvana: Hyperpermeable One Day
October 2, 2009
Hobby assists Irish strategy | www.opticianonline.net
This article describes resources being put into place to mass produce the first commercially available silicon hydrogel one day disposable contact lens in the USA by Johnson & Johnson's Vistakon division.
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Alcon, Novartis (Ciba Vision), Astra-Zeneca working on ocular medications?
July 23, 2009
Alcon Signs Agreement With AstraZeneca On Eye Drug Development | www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com
This agreement seems to allow Alcon Laboratories, Inc and Astra-Zeneca to work together to produce ocular medications. What it doesn't say is that they can also use Ciba Vision's resources in the near future.
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A drop in the price of OTC allergy eye drops?
July 5, 2009
Sun Pharmaceutical gets tentative nod from USFDA for ‘Optivar Solution’ | Top News | www.topnews.in
By adding a third OTC antihistamine eye drop to the mix the price competition should make the cost to the consumer decrease.
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Laser Vision Correction for Presbyopia is here!
April 6, 2009
Presbyopic laser vision correction reduces spectacle dependence in pseudophakes | www.modernmedicine.com
The missing element in LVC today is real multifocal correction to deal with a the large population of baby boomers that are finding a need for a different correction for distance vision than near vision(most people over 40 years of age). As of now we have only two options for adults: 1) two eyes corrected for distance vision and reading glasses or 2) mono-vision, one eye corrected for near, and the other corrected for distance vision. We currently have the ability to create mulitfocal spectacle lenses, and multifocal contact lenses. Johnson & Johnson's Vistakon just released a new Acuvue for Presbyopia in March 2009, CooperVision and Bausch & Lomb have both had multifocal contact lenses for years.
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Will contact lens solutions cost more to ship and store?
November 13, 2008
Eye Infection Epidemic Traced To Reduced Antifungal Properties Of Contact Lens Solution In High Temperatures | www.medicalnewstoday.com
A new study in Archives of Ophthalmology, November 2008 indicates that a reason for the large number of infections from Bausch & Lomb's Renu Moisture Loc solution was due to poor temperature control reducing antifungal and antimicrobial efficacy.
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Lasik, Pharma, and Cataracts...are they recession proof?
November 4, 2008
Value Stocks in the Eye of the Storm? | news.morningstar.com
The article goes into the four major eye care markets that have a mix of reimbursed, and consumer driven areas. It describes the issues I face as a provider of these products.
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A new lens for computer users?
October 6, 2008
PixelOptics focuses on new lens | www.roanoke.com
This eyeglass lens designer, Ron Blum has created a new type of Progressive Addition Lens about 6 years ago. It created a new market in Ultra-Premium lenses. Now he is attempting to create a new lens for computer users. I look forward to its introduction next month, and to the creation of new profit opportunity from selling his new design.
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Working with Silcione Hydrogels is not easy!
September 22, 2008
Ahead of the Bell: Cooper Cos. | www.forbes.com
This article mentions two major contact lens manufacturers, CooperVision and Vistakon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), with difficulties actually making silicone hydrogel contact lenses that can be sold successfully.
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A new Contact Lens material by 2009?
September 22, 2008
Ocutec wins backing for contact lens venture | www.theherald.co.uk
A new material that is easier to produce contact lenses with may decrease the cost of producing contact lenses. A major difficulty in producing today's silicone hydrogels is production costs.
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New non steroidal anti-inflamatory for diabetic retinopathy?
August 26, 2008
Pfizer Inc. Cancels Phase III of Glaucoma Drug Research in Asia | www.biospace.com
The new prostaglandin analog is not what i find interesting in this article. A new treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy sounds much more interesting
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An illegal use of Lumigan, now legal?
July 3, 2008
Longer Lashes in a Tube? Maybe Not | www.nytimes.com
A few months ago, a small company tried to import Lumigan (bimatoprost), licensed by Allergan, in an eyelash applicator. It was held by the FDA as an unapproved use of a prescription medication. Now the owner of the patent is trying to import the same drug legally.
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Announcing the 1-Day Acuvue TruEye a New Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens
June 3, 2008
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Announces First Daily Disposable Silicone Hydrogel at BCLA | www.cltoday.com
This is the first announcement anywhere in the world about a daily disposable contact lens that is in a breathable silicone hydrogel material. Will it make it across the ocean?
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Will The Avaira Take Market Share From Oaysis?
May 15, 2008
CooperVision Introduces Avaira™ Two-Week Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses | www.coopervision.com
Can Cooper take over the 2 week spherical contact lens market? Can it make a dent in the market share of the industry leader in the silicone hydrogel field? Initial results look good. A definite maybe!
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Good for Alcon, little effect on the patient, slight decrease in competition.
April 8, 2008
Novartis and Nestlé in a Deal for Alcon | select.nytimes.com
Alcon becomes part of a larger group that is very interested in profiting from eye care. The patient will probably not see any changes in labeling or distribution for a few years. The companies interlock well, but do not have a lot of overlap.....except for sales reps!
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Bausch moving forward after takeover by Warburg Pincus
January 29, 2008
Bausch & Lomb announces acquisition of eyeonics | www.osnsupersite.com
The recent purchase by Bausch & Lomb of Eyeonics shows a good move to capture the growing presbyopic correction market. The company has also sent Ronald L. Zarrella to become chairman emeritus. One of the best moves I have heard since the whole Renu problem.
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The "cure" for Macular Degeneration? Maybe!
January 22, 2008
Telescopic IOL device shows potential for improving quality of life in AMD patients | www.osnsupersite.com
Macular degeneration is a condition where the central part of the retina is lost. This item places an image on the retina that is so big, it allows the use of the remaining, useful retina. Sounds great! It may be, however, as with many low vision devices, there are some potential pitfalls.
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November 30, 2007
Visioneering sees solid investor interest following SEBIO event | www.techjournalsouth.com
The article points out that a small percentage of contact lenses and laser vision correction procedures, and cataract procedures deal with presbyopia. The field is wide open for improvement and exploitation. Numerous companies are looking for the "next best" idea.
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October 12, 2007
Maker Seeks to Restrict Cancer Drug Used on Eye | www.nytimes.com
How much should packaging of a drug cost?
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COMPLETE® MPS Easy Rub™ Formula....Whats the active ingredient?
September 4, 2007
Advanced Medical to Ship Solution | biz.yahoo.com
AMO has come out with a "new" product to be released in Sept 2007. But they have not announced what the key active ingredient is. The active ingredient(disinfectant) can determine where it stands compared to other products available on the market in the US. I list most of the various contact lens care systems available in the US now from Ciba Vision, Allergan, and AMO.
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"I Told You So" says the Dr. to the Patient!
September 3, 2007
Aussie Boxing Champion Hospitalized Due To Eye Infection; Doubts About Career Prospects | www.allheadlinenews.com
This is a highly publicized event that eye care practitioners have been telling patients since hard contacts were first invented. Will it prevent some infections in the future?
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