Blog

November 14, 2014April 24, 2018

University of Waterloo develops new treatment for dry eyes

Scientists from the University of Waterloo have developed a nanoparticle-based topical solution to combat dry eyes with a single weekly application.

Patients currently have to administer a solution three times a day to reduce pain and irritation. The solution developed at the University of Waterloo gradually delivers the correct amount of drug-infused nanoparticules to the surface of the eyeball over a period of five days before the body metabolizes them.

One weekly dose replaces 15 doses or more of the traditional treatments. The substance causes no irritation. If clinical trials are conclusive, this therapy could be available on the market within five years.

For further information: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12274-014-0547-3#page-1

November 13, 2014May 19, 2026

Sales growth at Sàfilo

The North American market is the driving force behind Sàfilo’s third quarter growth.

Sàfilo Group reported an increase in sales of 7.3% in the third quarter of 2014, compared with the same period in 2013. The company’s total revenues reached CA$371.2 million during the quarter.

In the North American market, sales increased by 14.1% over the same quarter in 2013. Sales in emerging markets, a priority for Sàfilo, increased by 27%, thanks to the strong performance of the Chinese and Brazilian markets.

Sales increased by 1.9% in Europe but dropped by 3.7% in Asia.

For further information: http://investors-en.safilo.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=195673&p=irol-newsArticle_pf&ID=1986112

November 12, 2014May 19, 2026

Record quarter for Allergan

In the third quarter of 2014, Allergan posted its strongest sales increase in the company’s history.

Allergan’s sales were CA$2 billion in the third quarter, up by 17.2% compared with the same period in 2013. Earnings totalled CA$350 million.

Pharmaceutical eyecare products (including Refresh and Restasis) showed a 14.2% sales increase to CA$915 million.

Allergan could not miss out on trumpeting its success, and perhaps it was thumbing its nose at Valeant. The latter is attempting to acquire Allergan and recently boasted its… second best quarter ever (see news clip from October 30).

For more information: http://agn.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=878172

November 12, 2014May 19, 2026

Novartis and Alcon deliver solid results

Novartis and its Alcon division delivered a good performance in the third quarter of 2014.

Novartis recorded net sales of CA$16.5 billion, a 4% increase compared with the same period last year.

Alcon’s third-quarter sales were CA$3 billion, a 5% increase over the same period in 2013. Alcon reported an increase of 3% in its pharmaceutical ophthalmic products, and a 3% increase in its vision care products. In the vision care segment, the strong sales growth of Dailies Total and AirOptix Colors contact lenses offset a decline in contact lens care solutions.

For more information: http://www.novartis.com/downloads/investors/financial-results/quarterly-results/q3-2014-media-release-en.pdf

November 10, 2014May 19, 2026

Abbott reports good results in eye care market

Abbott reported a sales increase of 5.8% over last year for the third quarter of 2014.

Abbott’s total worldwide sales were CA$5.7 billion in the third quarter of 2014. Although sales in the Medical Devices sector dropped 1% compared with the same period last year, sales in the Optics sector rose by 5.2%. The company reported total revenues of CA$336 million, CA$124 million of which was in the United States (a 14% increase over the same period last year).

For further information: http://abbott.mediaroom.com/2014-10-22-Abbott-Reports-Third-Quarter-2014-Results