Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
(AMO) (NYSE: EYE), a global ophthalmic surgical and eye care products
company, announced today from the XXIV Congress of the European Society of
Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) the launch of the TECNIS(R) CL
intraocular lens (IOL). The TECNIS(R) CL IOL is the latest advance to the
TECNIS(R) silicone IOL.
Design enhancements of the new TECNIS(R) CL IOL include:
— Blue modified C PMMA haptics for better visibility and easier
implantation of the lens
— Frosted OptiEdge(TM) design for reduced edge glare and reduced posterior
capsule opacification
— Proven patented silicone material for long-term biocompatibility
Performance
The TECNIS(R) CL IOL can be implanted with the UNFOLDER(TM) Silver
Series Implantation Systems and the Silver Advanced Cartridge through a
2.8mm incision. It permanently replaces both the Z9000 and Z9001 TECNIS(R)
silicone IOL models.
“The TECNIS(R) CL IOL provides the same FDA-approved claims and
excellent outcomes as the original TECNIS(R) lens but with a more
user-friendly design,” said AMO Corporate Vice President and Chief
Marketing Officer Russ Trenary. “We expect the TECNIS(R) CL lens to speed
surgeon migration from older-generation silicone lenses to the superior
TECNIS(R) optical design. The launch of the TECNIS(R) CL lens is an
excellent example of how we’re continuing to refine our IOL offerings
through disciplined product lifecycle management.”
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) extended New
Technology Intraocular Lens (NTIOL) status to the TECNIS(R) CL lens in
August. The TECNIS(R) and TECNIS(R) CL lenses are the first and only
FDA-approved IOLs with claims for reduced spherical aberration, improved
functional vision and improved night driving simulator performance.
NTIOL designation provides for additional Medicare reimbursement of $50
per lens for ambulatory surgical centers, which perform more than half of
all cataract surgeries in the United States. An NTIOL is defined as an IOL
that CMS determines has been approved by the FDA with labeling and
advertising claims of specific clinical advantages and superiority over
existing IOLs with regard to reduced risk of intraoperative or
post-operative complication or trauma, accelerated postoperative recovery,
reduced induced astigmatism, improved postoperative visual acuity, more
stable postoperative vision, or other comparable clinical advantages.
The TECNIS(R) CL IOL is available now in Europe and AMO plans to begin
shipping the lens next month in the United States, Canada and Asia Pacific,
and to Japan by mid-2007. For more information, visit: TECNISIOL.
About Advanced Medical Optics (AMO)
AMO is a global medical device leader focused on the discovery and
delivery of innovative vision technologies that optimize the quality of
life for people of all ages. Products in the cataract/implant line include
intraocular lenses, phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics, and related
products used in cataract and refractive lenticular surgery. Products in
the laser vision correction line include laser systems, wavefront
diagnostic systems, microkeratomes and related products used in corneal
refractive surgery. AMO owns or has the rights to such ophthalmic surgical
product brands as ReZoom(TM), Clariflex(R), Sensar(R), CeeOn(R), Tecnis(R)
and Verisyse(TM) intraocular lenses, STAR S4 IR(TM) laser vision correction
system, WaveScan Wavefront(R) System, CustomVue(TM) procedure, Sovereign(R)
and Sovereign(R) Compact(TM) phacoemulsification systems with WhiteStar(R)
technology, Amadeus(TM) and Amadeus(TM) II microkeratomes, Healon(R)
viscoelastics, and the Baerveldt(R) glaucoma shunt. Products in the contact
lens care line include disinfecting solutions, enzymatic cleaners and lens
rewetting drops. Among the eye care product brands the company possesses
are COMPLETE(R) Moisture PLUS(TM), COMPLETE(R) Blink-N-Clean(R),
Consept(R)F, Consept(R) 1 Step, Oxysept(R) 1 Step, UltraCare(R),
Ultrazyme(R), Total Care(TM) and blink(TM) branded products. Amadeus is a
licensed product of, and a trademark of, SIS, Ltd. AMO is based in Santa
Ana, California, and employs approximately 3,600 worldwide. The company has
operations in 24 countries and markets products in approximately 60
countries. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at
amo-inc/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about AMO,
including Mr. Trenary’s statements and those relating to the launch and
features of the product. All forward-looking statements in this press
release are based on estimates and assumptions and represent AMO’s judgment
only as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ from
current expectations based on a number of factors including but not limited
to market developments, expanded clinical experience, unexpected delays in
manufacturing, and unexpected regulatory or quality issues. Therefore, the
reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. AMO
disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.
Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
amo-inc/