(By Balaseshan) Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) said it has received the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Healon EndoCoat protective gel
for cataract surgery.
This clear, viscous, protective gel formula is injected into a patient's eye
to protect and coat the eye during surgery, reducing trauma to the inside layer
of the cornea and other surrounding tissues.
Abbott has expanded its Healon family of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices
(OVDs) with the FDA approval of Healon EndoCoat OVD, a device intended for use
as a surgical aid in cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL)
implantation.
The surgical delivery system for Healon EndoCoat OVD includes a number of
features for increased patient safety and ease of handling for the physician,
including a smaller delivery device and improved ergonomics for a smooth and
consistent delivery of the formula into the eye.
Additionally, Healon EndoCoat OVD can be used in combination with any other
Healon products such as Healon OVD, Healon GV OVD or Healon5 OVD.
Healon EndoCoat OVD is also available in Europe, Canada and New Zealand. The
product will begin shipping immediately in the United States.
With nearly 3 million patients undergoing cataract surgery each year in the
United States, dispersives such as Healon EndoCoat OVD are expected to account
for about 50% of the total OVD market in 2012, according to the independent
ophthalmic research firm Market Scope.
ABT is trading down 0.09% at $64.57 on Tuesday. The stock has been trading
between $46.29 and $64.67 for the past 52 weeks.