Market & Industry Briefs
Executive Summary
Brief summaries of recent medtech market and industry developments. This month we cover refractive surgery highlights from AAO, Novartis' takeover of Alcon, and DOJ's increased interest in device manufacturing and safety issues.
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ImThera Medical Inc.
Although more than 20 million people in the US are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the standard of care for the disorder--a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine applied at bedtime with a nasal or facial mask to keep airways propped open--carries a noncompliance rate of almost 50%. ImThera Medical Inc. is developing a new implantable neurostimulation device that stimulates certain tongue muscles during sleep to open the upper airway and potentially help patients who are unable or unwilling to use CPAP or pursue surgical alternatives.
AAO Highlights: Back (of the Eye) to the Future
The 2009 meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology showcased the latest developments in cataract/refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina, and other ophthalmic subspecialties. The cataract/refractive surgery market has been under significant economic pressure recently due to a recessionary drop in elective ophthalmic procedures. However, evolving treatments for "back of the eye" conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, are making significant inroads toward improved patient outcomes for these common and devastating diseases and continue to energize the retina products market.
AAO Highlights: Back (of the Eye) to the Future
The 2009 meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology showcased the latest developments in cataract/refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina, and other ophthalmic subspecialties. The cataract/refractive surgery market has been under significant economic pressure recently due to a recessionary drop in elective ophthalmic procedures. However, evolving treatments for "back of the eye" conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, are making significant inroads toward improved patient outcomes for these common and devastating diseases and continue to energize the retina products market.