Alcon Completes Acquisition of Belkin Vision, Expanding Glaucoma Portfolio with Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) Device

Alcon announced the closing of its deal to acquire BELKIN Vision with a total upfront consideration of $81M, including a cash payment of approximately $65M. The deal also includes the potential for up to $385M in payments, contingent upon rigorous sales-based milestones. The acquisition includes BELKIN Vision’s Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) technology, expanding Alcon’s glaucoma portfolio with a first-line therapy. For glaucoma, Alcon also offers implantables such as Hydrus Microstent, and pharmaceutical drops that are currently available in the U.S.

“As a therapy with significant advantages for the patient and practice, we believe our newly acquired DSLT technology is uniquely positioned to accelerate the evolution toward first-line use of SLT in the glaucoma treatment paradigm,” said Sean Clark, President, Global Surgical Franchise, Alcon. “We look forward to broadening access to this exciting technology in the future as we continue to address solutions for unmet needs in glaucoma.”^1-3

A landmark publication, the LiGHT trial, demonstrated that selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a clinically relevant and cost-effective primary treatment for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT)—reducing the need for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications and glaucoma surgeries.⁴ The pivotal GLAUrious study showed that DSLT effectively lowers IOP for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients, with a proven safety profile.⁵ Like traditional SLT, DSLT delivers laser energy to the trabecular meshwork. However, DSLT includes proprietary eye-tracking technology to ensure an accurate, automated treatment delivery through the limbus—eliminating the need for a gonio lens or manual aiming.⁶ The DSLT experience is patient- and physician-friendly, providing the precision treatment necessary while offering an intuitive, streamlined workflow and non-contact delivery.⁵

“Despite ample evidence for SLT as primary therapy in glaucoma treatment, practical challenges limit availability to many patients who could benefit from it,” said Nathan M. Radcliffe, M.D. “DSLT will have a profound impact on laser-first, helping to overcome these barriers and meaningfully improve access to laser therapy—shifting doctor and patient perceptions around efficiency and comfort.”

The DSLT technology is approved in the European Union (E.U.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.), and is indicated to perform SLT. The device received 510(k) Clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration but is not yet available in the U.S. With this acquisition, Alcon plans to continue to supply DSLT in the E.U. and U.K., and aims to make the device available to physicians in the U.S. by the end of 2024. Alcon is also integrating DSLT into its Alcon Vision Suite ecosystem, working to ensure the ability to train and deliver the best-in-class service that its customers have come to expect.

Additional information about plans and timing for launches in new markets will be provided in the future. To learn more about DSLT, please visit https://belkin-vision.com/.

 

References

1. Takusagawa HL, Hoguet A. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for the treatment of glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2024;131(1):37-47. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.07.029
2. European Glaucoma Society Terminology and guidelines for glaucoma, 5th Edition. British Journal of Ophthalmology. June 1, 2021. Accessed June 10, 2024. https://bjo.bmj.com/content/105/Suppl_1/1.long.
3. Recommendations: Glaucoma: Diagnosis and management: Guidance. NICE. January 26, 2022. Accessed June 10, 2024. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng81/chapter/recommendations.
4. Gazzard G, Konstantakopoulou E, Garway-Heath D, et al. Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (LiGHT) Trial: Six-Year Results of Primary Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty versus Eye Drops for the Treatment of Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension. Ophthalmology. 2023;130(2):139-151. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.09.009
5. Belkin M; GLAUrious, a multicentre, randomised, controlled study of direct selective laser trabeculoplasty in open-angle glaucoma. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2023;64(8):5393.
6. BELKIN Vision Eagle Device User Guide.