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Novartis to Acquire Xiidra

Novartis announced that it has entered into an agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited to acquire the assets associated with Xiidra® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% worldwide. Xiidra is the first and only prescription treatment approved to treat both signs and symptoms of dry eye by inhibiting inflammation caused by the disease. The transaction would bolster the Novartis front-of-the-eye portfolio and ophthalmic leadership. Closing of the transaction is expected in second half of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals. On closing, Novartis plans a smooth transition of operations and integration of Xiidra into its pharmaceuticals portfolio.

Xiidra, with its anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, is the first dry eye treatment approved to treat both the signs of eye damage and the physical symptoms experienced by patients. Additional benefits of Xiidra, exhibited in phase III studies, include a timely onset of action and well-tolerated safety profile.

“Xiidra, with its unique dual benefits, is an example of the type of innovative advances we invest in for the benefit of patients,” said Paul Hudson, CEO Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “We look forward to leveraging our well-established commercial infrastructure to bring this medicine to more patients.”

In addition to powering Novartis’ ability to serve more patients suffering from eye disease, the additional commercial experience established with Xiidra is expected to better position the company for front-of-the-eye pipeline products currently in development.

Deal terms include a USD 3.4 billion upfront payment with potential milestone payments of up to USD 1.9 billion. As part of the agreement, Novartis will be taking on approximately 400 employees associated with the product.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Calvin Klein CK18101s col.199 Sunglasses

Amazing things happen when you take a shiny gold metal frame in a round shape and encircle it around striped black and white acetate. Black and gold has long been my favorite colour combination, but the addition of white adds an intensity and funky element to these fashion-forward sunglasses. Paired with a watercolor pink lens which gives the CK18101s a rising trend that works in conjunction with its funky style that can be worn in and outdoors, making it perfect for the daring fashionista.

Distributed by: www.marchon.com

Myopia Awareness Week – Getting People Talking

World Council of Optometry and Brien Holden Vision Institute are collaborating to bring Myopia Awareness Week, 13 – 19 May 2019.

Together they are inspiring action in caregivers to protect their children’s vision and changing the way optometrists understand and treat myopia.

“We know that almost half the world’s population will be myopic by the year 20501, with nearly one billion people in the high myopia category. Myopia Awareness Week is about getting people talking about myopia in homes and optometry practices around the world,” stated WCO President, Dr Scott Mundle.

Together WCO and BHVI are addressing the prevalence of myopia globally by building an awareness that will help mitigate the effect that myopia will have on billions of lives.

“We want to improve communication about myopia and its implication on lives, particularly children. We want caregivers to understand that children’s eye health is an important part of their overall health and development. We also want to make sure that optometrists are equipped with the knowledge to help treat their myopic patients. Ultimately, our efforts are about building a movement to fight this myopia epidemic that we all we see coming,” said Dr Mundle.

“There is much happening in research, product development and professional education to meet the myopia challenge, but it is critical we engage with those at the frontline – parents, guardians and eye care practitioners – to ensure they have the understanding and tools to protect our children’s futures,” said Ms Yvette Waddell, CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute. “This is an important and timely initiative involving the optometry profession globally,” she added.

For more information about Myopia Awareness Week visit www.myopiamovement.com or visit our social media accounts @MyopiaMovement.

Click HERE to view the press release.

Academy 2019 Orlando and 3rd WCO Registration and Housing Now Open

The American Academy of Optometry and World Council of Optometry’s joint meeting, Academy 2019 Orlando and the 3rd World Congress of Optometry, will take place October 23- 27, 2019 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Registration and housing are now open and early bird registration ends August 23, 2019.

This meeting will feature over 450 hours of CE, and an extra day of CE has been added on Sunday, October 27. The meeting will offer a wide array of clinically relevant CE courses and cutting-edge research in the clinical and vision sciences. Attendees can choose from lectures and workshops, 12 Section and Special Interest Group (SIG) symposia, hundreds of scientific papers and posters, and several memorable social events.

This year’s Plenary Session from 10 AM – 12 Noon on Wednesday, October 23 is titled, “Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice®: WHO World Report on Vision: Opportunities for Optometry to Make an Impact,” and will discuss the World Report on Vision on the distribution of eye disease and blindness across the globe and the disease burden these eye conditions pose on nations and regions. Additionally, the human resource requirements of eye care providers needed to address this public health crisis will be covered.

The Monroe J. Hirsch Research Symposium is titled, “Gene Therapy for Ocular and Neurologic Disorders.” Contemporary issues in gene therapy will be discussed including Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, animal models of glaucoma, and Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

Another not-to-be-missed event is the fifth joint symposium of the Academy and the American Academy of Ophthalmology titled, “Addressing the Global Myopia Burden.”

Ezell Fellows Present is a symposium where three investigators at different stages of their careers, who were supported early on through the Foundation’s Ezell Fellowships, present their research. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the symposium and is titled, “Public Health / Epidemiology Potpourri.” Included in this session will be discussions on anterior segment infectious eye disease and US national health datasets used to assess vision impairment.

The Global Summit on Optometric Education, co-sponsored by the World Council of Optometry, American Academy of Optometry, and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, will provide educators from optometric educational programs from around the globe the opportunity to share education philosophies/teaching methods and to discuss challenges facing institutions.

This year’s exhibit hall will be world class with more than 150 booths displaying the latest products and technology. Attendees will be able to take advantage of extended learning in Vision Theater session presentations by exhibitors, and Industry Innovations: Lunch + Learn sessions on Wednesday, October 23.

The Academy 2019 Orlando and 3rd World Congress of Optometry Program Preview provides an overview of the exciting events and CE that will be offered.

For more information, visit www.aaopt.org/2019 or www.worldcongressofoptometry.org.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Mykita is Product Design Champion

Mykita’s optical model ELGARD collects a 2019 Red Dot Award in Product Design.

“ELGARD combines the advantages of an acetate and a metal frame. These well-proportioned glasses offer a high level of comfort”, says the Red Dot Design jury.

ELGRAD is a well-proportioned navigator with a laidback look that belies the complexity of the engineering used to make it. Noticeable only on closer look, the steel ‘skeleton’ of the mixed material construction adds resilience to the delicate acetate front. The optical model comes in understated colourways, such as Shiny Graphite/Santiago Gradient, to accentuate the refined aesthetic.

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