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AMO enters posterior segment market via Optikon agreement
A new vitreoretinal system will result from the strategic collaboration, with a launch anticipated later this year.
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Advanced Medical Optics is taking its first steps into the vitreous/retina market with a worldwide distribution agreement with the established medical equipment manufacturer Optikon.
After several months of discussions, AMO and Optikon have signed a global distribution agreement to market an AMO-branded vitreoretinal system. Initial markets of entry for the system will be Europe, Africa and Asia, according to the companies.
The system that will result from their collaboration will be a fully featured vitreoretinal workstation in a compact product format, according to AMO officials. AMO will have exclusive marketing rights to the new system.
“This is obviously a very important segment of ophthalmology for AMO, which will give us the opportunity to build relationships with the retinal surgeon,” said James V. Mazzo, CEO and president of AMO. “We are currently a leader in cataract and refractive surgery, and we are now expanding our efforts into the back of the eye with this relationship. One of AMO’s strategies is to spend time with the specialist so we can understand and learn this segment and continue to provide innovative and sustainable technologies.”
Executives of both companies said they view this as a long-term collaboration, rife with potential for future developments. Due to the contractual terms of the transaction, financial information is not being disclosed.
“This alliance allows Optikon to continue to focus on serving the needs of leading retinal surgeons so that a continual stream of new products and system accessories are available,” said Antonio Berretta, president of Optikon. According to Mr. Berretta, Optikon will also benefit from AMO’s global presence and marketing reach.
“Together we will be able to collaborate on new designs and approaches to serve the customer,” he told Ocular Surgery News. Mr. Berretta also said he views this collaboration as a long-term strategic partnership.
Branding
Mr. Mazzo said AMO is in the process of branding the new vitreoretinal system. The company’s objective is to launch the system some time in the third quarter of 2003.
“Our adage is always to look at ‘what’s the opportunity,’” Mr. Mazzo told Ocular Surgery News. “Then we ask ourselves, do we want to do this internally, or do we partner? Both are strengths of AMO.”
“Optikon is a company with a long history and relationship with AMO,” Mr. Berretta said. “It is wonderful that we can work together to bring unique and innovative technology into the market. AMO has an excellent reputation with doctors all over the world. We are proud of the fact that our products will be marketed by their skilled sales team.”
A note from the editors:
This article was previously published in Ocular Surgery News Europe/Asia-Pacific Edition, a SLACK Incorporated publication.
For Your Information:
- James V. Mazzo, can be reached at Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., 1700 E. St. Andrew Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705; (714) 247-8400.
- Antonio Berretta, can be reached at Optikon, Via del Casale di Settebagni 13, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (39) (0) 68888355; fax: (39) (0) 68888388.