Bausch + Lomb acquires ELIOS system, expanding glaucoma treatment options

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Bausch + Lomb Corp. today announced that an affiliate has acquired Elios Vision Inc., developer of the ELIOS procedure, the first clinically validated, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure using an excimer laser.

According to Bausch + Lomb, the acquisition opens up new opportunities for treating glaucoma effectively without the need for implants, enhancing the company’s ability to offer integrated solutions for glaucoma patients.¹

Luc Bonnefoy, president of the Surgical Division at Bausch + Lomb, highlighted the importance of the acquisition, pointed out the announcement further demonstrates the company’s commitment to investing in technologies that enable eye care professionals to better address the evolving needs of their patients.

“The ELIOS system offers a differentiated approach for the treatment of glaucoma, a condition expected to increase in prevalence by 47% from 2020 to 2040,” he said in the news release.

The ELIOS system uses a non-thermal, laser-based procedure that is designed to be tissue-friendly and highly adaptable, offering a novel treatment option for glaucoma. Compared to other glaucoma surgery techniques, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) — a category that includes the ELIOS system — is known for its safety, effectiveness, and quicker recovery times. MIGS procedures are often performed in combination with cataract surgery, the most common surgical procedure worldwide. It is estimated that more than 19% of cataract surgery patients also suffer from glaucoma or ocular hypertension, creating a significant opportunity for concurrent treatment.

Ike K. Ahmed, MD, an ophthalmologist at the University of Toronto and the Moran Eye Center, commented on the technology’s potential.

“ELIOS provides a tissue-friendly, precision non-thermal laser-based and highly adoptable procedure for the treatment of glaucoma,” he said. “The synergy between cataract surgery and MIGS can help ophthalmologists provide streamlined care and improve patient quality of life."

Elliot Friedman, the former chairman and CEO of Elios Vision, emphasized the global potential of the ELIOS system.

“Bausch + Lomb’s extensive reach in cataract surgery will introduce ELIOS to a broader range of eye care professionals and help change the treatment paradigm for the estimated 80 million people worldwide living with glaucoma," he said. "The goal is to make combining cataract and glaucoma treatment the new standard of care, and that’s even more attainable given Bausch + Lomb’s presence in nearly 100 countries."

Currently, the ELIOS system is CE marked and is marketed and sold in the European Union. Elios Vision is also in the process of seeking FDA approval for the technology.¹

Leerink Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Elios Vision, while Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation acted as legal advisor.

Reference:

1. Bausch.com. Published 2024. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.bausch.com/news/?id=239