Bausch + Lomb, Modulight to develop laser for Visudyne

Bausch + Lomb and Modulight have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop a laser for use with Visudyne photodynamic therapy, according to a press release.

Visudyne (verteporfin for injection, Bausch + Lomb), an injectable photosensitizer drug for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia or presumed ocular histoplasmosis, is activated through a photodynamic laser delivering a targeted approach that destroys abnormal choroidal blood vessels.

“PDT continues to be an important option for eye care professionals who treat choroidal neovascularization in patients who suffer from persistent disease activity, but the availability of lasers capable of delivering this type of treatment in the industry has become limited,” Tracy Valorie, Bausch + Lomb senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Pharmaceuticals and Surgical, said in the release. “We have entered this agreement with Modulight, an industry expert in developing medical laser technology, to provide customers a new laser system that is specifically designed for Visudyne and ultimately will allow more eligible patients to receive the treatment they need.”