Alcon has announced its acquisition of LumiThera, Inc. and its photobiomodulation (PBM) device for treating early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), marking a significant expansion of the company's retinal treatment portfolio beyond its traditional surgical focus. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
Revolutionary Light Therapy Technology
LumiThera's Valeda Light Delivery System represents the first and only approved technology to demonstrate consistent visual improvement over 2 years in patients with early to intermediate dry AMD. The photobiomodulation system uses low-level, non-laser light to stimulate mitochondrial energy production, promoting retinal cellular health through three specific, science-backed wavelengths that deliver non-phototoxic light therapy.
"Our PBM device provides a non-invasive treatment for dry AMD patients that can improve vision and address the disease earlier, before permanent vision loss," said Clark Tedford, PhD, president and CEO of LumiThera. "We are thrilled that Alcon agrees in the potential that this device has to change the lives of millions living with dry AMD."
Clinical Trial Results Demonstrate Efficacy
Data from the LIGHTSITE I, II, and III clinical trials conducted by LumiThera showed that PBM treatments provide visual acuity improvement with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported. The pivotal LIGHTSITE III study was conducted at 10 sites across the U.S. and evaluated two years of PBM treatment versus a control light therapy.
Results from the trial demonstrated that patients with PBM-treated eyes gained one line of visual acuity (ETDRS) from baseline at months 13 and 21, and maintained this improvement at month 24. Additionally, approximately 88% of patients in the PBM group maintained or gained vision versus baseline at month 24.
Strategic Expansion into Clinic-Based Care
The acquisition represents a strategic shift for Alcon, which has been a leader in vitreoretinal surgery for more than 25 years. Sean Clark, vice president and general manager of the global surgical franchise at Alcon, emphasized the significance of this expansion.
"For more than 25 years, Alcon has been a leader in vitreoretinal surgery, and we are excited to expand our offerings into the clinic, to help millions of people living with dry AMD gain vision," said Clark. "Dry AMD is an area of significant unmet need, and PBM is an efficacious, non-invasive light therapy that can provide visual improvement for patients with early and intermediate disease."
Treatment Administration and Accessibility
The noninvasive PBM treatments are administered in a clinic setting, making the therapy accessible to patients without requiring surgical intervention. Alcon plans to leverage its global commercial and clinical expertise to make this therapy more broadly available to eye care professionals and their patients while continuing to strengthen its body of clinical evidence.
Acquisition Details and Future Plans
The planned acquisition does not include LumiThera's diagnostic devices, including AdaptDx and Nova/Diopsys. These devices are planned to be separated and spun off to LumiThera's shareholders prior to Alcon's acquisition and will continue to be marketed and sold by the LumiThera spin-off.
This acquisition continues Alcon's trend of strategic acquisitions in 2025. Earlier this year, the company announced it acquired a majority interest in Aurion Biotech, a clinical-stage company developing advanced cell therapies to treat eye diseases, and intends to acquire LENSAR, including the ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser Treatment System. Both deals are expected to close in mid-to-late 2025.
