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BYE BYE TO DRY EYE
Frequently asked questions about Dry Eye and The Clinitas Range.
News and Views
A quick reference guide and information point for all things Clinitas and dry eye related.
A group of leading biotechnology entrepreneurs and investors have co-authored a letter to the Times to highlight the promising future for the industry.
One of the co-signatories is Andy Richards, Chairman of Altacor.
The letter reads
Sir,
As innovators, entrepreneurs and investors in the life sciences we welcome the Government’s support for this high-growth sector. Our industry comprises more than 5,000 companies employing more than 70,000 people and with a combined value of more than £50 billion in market cap. We believe the UK has the research base, entrepreneurial skills and venture finance necessary to be a leading hub of global biomedicine. Many of the world’s drugs, devices and diagnostics have been discovered here.
Dry itchy eyes is frequently it is the reason why patients give up using their contact lenses. To help opticians diagnose dry eye quickly and more accurately, Altacor, the ophthalmic products specialists, and No7 the contact lenses manufacturer have collaborated on a trial and the initial results have been very positive.
Andrew Merry Optometrists were one of the first to join the trial in which self-contained dry eye diagnostic kits were provided free of charge by Altacor and No7, and the opticians were trained in how to use them.
Janet Wilkinson of Andrew Merry Optometrists says:
“The trial went extremely well. People often come in saying they have itchy eyes or a burning sensation and are thinking of stopping wearing their contact lenses. Others think they need a new prescription because their vision is starting to blur.
“Normally we would ask a few questions and then recommend eye drops, but we wouldn’t always be able to do any specific tests as appointment time can be limited.
“In the trial, we assessed everyone that complained of dry eye. The kits contained a Lissamine green stain which we can use to examine the eye and look at tear break-up time.”
The diagnostic kit was developed by Altacor and No7 following consultation with opticians. It provides everything needed in one box and issufficient for testing 10 patients. It helps to identify what type of eye treatment will be most effective.
For more information see the video
Cambridge-based Altacor, a specialist ophthalmic products company, has welcomed an agreement with NicOx S.A. Under the terms of the agreement NicOx is investing £2 million in cash to acquire an initial 11.8% stake in Altacor with an option to acquire the remainder of the company for up to a further £17.5m which comprises £9m upfront and £8.5m in deferred milestones.
Altacor was established in 2007 by Dr Fran Crawford and Mr David Alcraft to develop and market a range of high quality treatments for ocular conditions such as glaucoma, eye infection and dry eye. It has products, pipeline and relationships in place and will advance this significantly following the agreement with NicOx.
Dr Fran Crawford, CEO of Altacor, said: “Altacor and NicOx have developed a strong working relationship. The companies are strategically well aligned, both having similar perspectives on the emerging ophthalmology market.
“We therefore believe NicOx is an excellent partner for Altacor and the investment announced today will enable us to secure the development of the portfolio. NicOx’s R&D and partnering expertise will be of significant benefit as we progress our late-stage pipeline.”
Altacor will be attending the North of England Ophthalmological Society (NEOS) meeting, Bradford on the 20th March. The theme is vitreoretinal and the PJ Hay Lecture will be given by Mr Tom Williamson, consultant Ophthalmologist at St Thomas' Hospital London.
It looks a varied and interesting range of presentations and we look forward to seeing you there.
If you are unable to attend the event and would like to gain more information about our prescription range of Clinitas treatments for dry eye please contact: David Harris, our Altacor representative on 01223 421411
Aine Campbell from Cardiff University was the delighted winner of a Wii Sport and Accessories at the National AOP Student Eye Opener Conference. The prize was donated by Altacor.
Karen Sparrow, Education Adviser for the AOP said that the prizes were presented at the close of the conference which was a nice way to end a memorable and successful event.
Full details of the conference will be available in the next issue of OT magazine.
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