GENEVA—Global eyecare company Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) has announced the closing of a deal to acquire Israel-based Belkin Vision, developer of a first-line glaucoma laser treatment, with a total upfront consideration of $81 million, including a cash payment of approximately $65 million. The deal also includes the potential for up to $385 million in payments, the company said, contingent upon sales-based milestones. The acquisition includes Belkin Vision’s Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) technology, according to the announcement, expanding Alcon’s glaucoma portfolio with a first-line therapy. For glaucoma, Alcon also offers implantables as well as 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.”

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, the company stated. The DSLT experience is patient- and physician-friendly, according to the company, providing the precision treatment necessary while offering an intuitive, streamlined workflow and non-contact delivery.

 
 
"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, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and cataract and glaucoma specialist at New York Ophthalmology.  “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 company noted. 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 said it is also integrating DSLT into its Alcon Vision Suite ecosystem.

Additional information about plans and timing for launches in new markets will be provided in the future, the company said. To learn more about DSLT, click here.