French Laboratoires Thea Acquires the Mydriasert(R) ophthalmic Insert From Carl Zeiss Meditec

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France, September 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Laboratoires Thea, the leading independent ophthalmic group in Europe, completes its innovative product range with the announcement of the final acquisition of Mydriasert(R). Mydriasert(R), the 1st mydriatic ophthalmic insert, is indicated for dilated fundus examination (DFE) or cataract surgery, the most widely implemented surgical procedure. Regarding cataract surgery, the market represents close to 300 000 procedures in the UK and Ireland and 3 million in Europe each year.

"This acquisition represents a significant addition to our product range and is completely in line with our strategy to become a leading provider of ophthalmic products. Our goal is to meet the needs of ophthalmologists in all major therapeutic classes so that we can be their daily partners, whatever their type of practice, and notably in ocular surgery," according to Laboratoires Thea COO Jean-Frederic Chibret. The agreement with Carl Zeiss Meditec includes the acquisition of the production site of Mydriasert(R) located in La Rochelle, France along with relevant staff. Mydriasert(R) is already commercialized in five European countries. Thanks to this agreement, Carl Zeiss Meditec will continue to concentrate on its core activities. Laboratoires Thea will develop sales through their subsidiaries and distributors.

Mydriasert(R) provides a genuine alternative to the mydriatic eye drops that are commonly used for mydriasis.

Mydriasert(R) allows one to obtain an effective and stable mydriasis with just one simple medical act which helps to avoid repeat installations of different mydriatic eye drops either for surgical procedures or diagnostic purposes.

In comparison to traditional mydriatic eye drops, Mydriasert(R) allows for fewer nursing procedures, this in turn helps to free up nursing time, reduce the risk of human errors and allows healthcare staff to spend more time with their patients[1]. The insert contains neither preservatives nor solvents.

This device, shaped like an oblong tablet, is applied beneath the eyelid and disperses both phenylephrin hydrochlorid and tropicamide, whose mechanisms of action are synergistic. Indeed, the alpha-sympathomimetic activity of phenylephrin induces an increase in pupil diameter, while the anti-cholinergic activity of tropicamide prevents the iris from contracting.

Heading towards new technologies

The acquisition of this French technology offers Thea new research and development opportunities. The system is comprised of a sterile, bio-compatible and porous matrix containing the ingredients which are gradually released into the lower conjunctival sac of the eye. The clinical situations in which it may be interesting to control the quantities of active ingredients administered onto the ocular surface are indeed quite numerous.

About Laboratoires Thea

Laboratoires Thea is the leading independent ophthalmic group in Europe. Founded in 1994, the company is a family business built on the heritage of over 150 years experience of the Chibret Family in Ophthalmology.

Today, Laboratoires Thea is ranked 3rd in France, 6th in Europe and 7th worldwide in the field of Ophthalmology. The company is present in 65 countries, owns 11 subsidiaries in Europe and had a turnover of EUR 171 million in 2009.[2]

References

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[1] Korobelnik JF, Tavera C, Renaud-Rougier MB, El Meski S, Colin J.; The Mydriasert insert: an alternative to eye drops for preangiographic mydriasis; Le Journal Francais d'Ophtalmologie 2004 Oct;27(8):897-902

    [2] http://www.laboratoires-thea.com/

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SOURCE Laboratoires Thea