Bausch + Lomb has acquired an exclusive license for a novel myopia control contact lens developed by a Sydney ophthalmic research institute, just days after signing another deal to commercialise an investigational microdose formulation of atropine.
The company, which is the global eye health subsidiary Bausch Health Companies, announced the new licensing agreement with the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) on 16 October.
As part of the deal, BHVI’s novel contact lens design will be paired with Bausch + Lomb’s contact lens technologies to develop potential treatments that slow myopia progression in children.
In simple terms, BHVI says its patented designs combine different amounts of different types of aberrations to achieve extended depth of focus (EDOF), which enables good vision at a range of distances from far to near.
EDOF technology for myopia has been the focus of another deal BHVI signed in 2017 with Spanish contact lens manufacturer mark’ennovy, which led to the Mylo contact lens. Bausch + Lomb’s entry into the market may add to an expanding suite of soft contact lenses for myopia, which now includes NaturalVue by Visioneering Technologies and CooperVision’s pioneering MiSight lens.
Just a week before the new BHVI deal, Bausch + Lomb also announced an exclusive license with Eyenovia in the US and Canada for the development and commercialisation of an investigational microdose formulation of atropine ophthalmic solution.
The therapy is being investigated for the reduction of paediatric myopia progression in children aged between three and 12 years old.
“We are excited to leverage cutting-edge contact lens design technology from renowned ophthalmic research organisation BHVI with our leading lens technologies so that we can research potential new treatment options for myopia, which continues to become more prevalent around the world,” Mr Joseph Papa, chairman and CEO of Bausch Health, said.
“As evidenced by both of our new exclusive licenses for different potential treatments for myopia, Bausch + Lomb remains committed to finding new approaches to treating this condition for as long as there is a need.”
BHVI chairman Mr Frank Back said for decades the organisation had sought solutions to unmet ophthalmic needs by innovating commercially relevant technologies, including those specifically developed for myopia control.
“Bausch + Lomb’s long-standing position as a leader and innovator in eye health makes it the ideal choice for a partner, and we look forward to helping improve the vision of people with myopia around the world through their use of this contact lens design,” he said.
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