Eye health company Bausch + Lomb (Bridgewater, NJ) and medical lasers and optics designer Modulight (Tampere, Finland) have entered into an exclusive agreement to collaborate and develop a new laser specifically designed for use with Bausch + Lomb's Visudyne photosensitizer drug for photodynamic therapy (PDT).

"PDT continues to be an important option for eye care professionals who treat choroidal neovascularization in patients who suffer from persistent disease activity, but the availability of lasers capable of delivering this type of treatment in the industry has been limited," explains Tracy Valorie, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Pharmaceuticals and Surgical at Bausch + Lomb. She adds that the collaboration will work towards a new laser system for Visudyne that ultimately will allow more eligible patients to receive the treatment they need.

The Visudyne injectable photosensitizer drug is indicated for treating patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), pathologic myopia, or presumed ocular histoplasmosis. The drug is activated through use of a photodynamic laser via direct laser excitation, delivering a targeted approach that specifically destroys abnormal choroidal blood vessels to help prevent further disease progression and help patients maintain their vision.