Topcon penetrates ophthalmology market with new devices, systems

Collagen cross-linking for treating keratoconus and ectasia, laser photocoagulation of retinal disease and integration of electronic imaging records are among the areas of the ophthalmology market where Topcon Medical Systems is making inroads.
Topcon is funding three ongoing trials to assess the potential use of corneal collagen cross-linking while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers the treatment for post-LASIK ectasia and keratoconus. This effort follows on the heels of Topcon’s acquisition of the Pascal system and, more recently, the release of the updated comprehensive software platform EyeRoute Synergy.

Corneal cross-linking

Corneal cross-linking, a process in which the cornea is strengthened through a combination of riboflavin administered to the cornea and application of ultraviolet light, is not yet approved by the FDA. In some cases, the riboflavin product is applied after the epithelium is removed; in other cases, the epithelium is left on and a transepithelial product is used. According to Sooft Italia literature, in the corneal cross-linking procedure under study sponsored by Topcon, after the epithelium is removed, the cornea is saturated with Ricrolin (Sooft Italia) and then exposed to a customized dose of ultraviolet light.

Additionally, Sooft, for which Topcon serves as an exclusive distributor, has released in the European Union Ricrolin TE, a transepithelial formulation of the drug that offers the same clinical benefits as Ricrolin but does not require the removal of the epithelium.
“That means less procedure time and less patient discomfort,” Robert Gibson, Topcon vice president of marketing, told Ocular Surgery News.
“What we’re trying to show is that using [cross-linking] will stop the progression of keratoconus, so that the patient doesn’t have to go to a corneal transplant,” he said.

Pascal system

Topcon’s focus is not just on the surface of the eye.
In August 2010, OptiMedica sold its retina and glaucoma assets to Topcon Medical Laser Systems, a then newly established subsidiary that received ownership of all related intellectual property, manufacturing rights and facilities, as well as sales and distribution rights worldwide.
The Pascal (Pattern Scan Laser) system, initially developed at Stanford University to treat a variety of retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal vascular occlusive disease, was acquired in the exchange. According to a company press release, the Pascal photocoagulation system, due to its ability to deliver gentle photocoagulation with reduced heat diffusion and provide shortened treatment durations through the use of multi-spot, rapid laser pulse technology, had already achieved sales success under OptiMedica. Success has continued under Topcon, which has exceeded sales plans in both units sold and dollar revenue.
“What we’ve been doing is simply utilizing the full Topcon sales channel,” Greg Halstead, Topcon director of sales and marketing, said. “We have direct sales in the U.S., most of Europe, large parts of Asia and Japan. [We’re] putting the emphasis of all of Topcon behind it.”
Regarding Topcon Medical Laser Systems, Mr. Halstead said, “We have been testing and evaluating 577-nm lasers and are releasing those to countries as registration permits. [We] should be ready for the majority of the global market by the [American Academy of Ophthalmology] meeting.”