Alcon completes acquisition of BELKIN Vision

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/Yingyaipumi)

Alcon has announced the closing of its deal to acquire BELKIN Vision which includes a total upfront consideration of $81 million, including a cash payment of approximately $65 million.

The deal was first announced in May 2024, with an estimated total value of $335 million at the time.

Alcon stated in a press release,¹ that the deal also includes the potential for up to $385 million in payments, “contingent upon rigorous sales-based milestones.”

Alcon’s acquisition of BELKIN includes the company’s Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) technology, which Alcon credits to expanding the company’s glaucoma portfolio, of which the company offers implantables such as Hydrus Microstent, and pharmaceutical drops currently available in the US.¹

DSLT delivers laser energy to the trabecular meshwork, but unlike traditional SLT, DSLT includes “proprietary eye-tracking technology to ensure an accurate, automated treatment delivery through the limbus—eliminating the need for a gonio lens or manual aiming,” according to the company.¹

Sean Clark, President of Global Surgical Franchise at Alcon discussed the acquisition and the company’s glaucoma treatment options in the press release from the company.

"As a therapy with significant advantages for the patient and practice, we believe our newly acquired DSLT technology is uniquely positioned to accelerate the evolution toward first-line use of SLT in the glaucoma treatment paradigm,” said Clark. “We look forward to broadening access to this exciting technology in the future as we continue to address solutions for unmet needs in glaucoma.”

The DSLT technology is approved in the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK), and is indicated to perform SLT. The device received 510(k) Clearance from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) but is not yet available in the US. Alcon stated it plans to make the device available in the US by the end of 2024.¹

References:

1. Alcon Completes Acquisition of BELKIN Vision, Expanding Glaucoma Portfolio with Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) Device. Press Release; July 1, 2024. Accessed July 2, 2024. https://www.alcon.com/media-release/alcon-completes-acquisition-belkin-vision-expanding-glaucoma-portfolio-direct