Published in Pipeline

Bausch + Lomb and Modulight announce FDA approval of ML6710i photodynamic laser for use with Bausch + Lomb's Visudyne

Bausch + Lomb Corporation (“Bausch + Lomb”) and Modulight Corporation (“Modulight”) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the ML6710i photodynamic laser for equivalent use with Bausch + Lomb’s Visudyne (verteporfin for injection) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, or the creation of abnormal choroidal blood vessels, due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).1 ML6710i is expected to be available for eye care professionals during the first half of 2023.

“PDT continues to be an important treatment option for eye care professionals who are looking to treat patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization,” said Christina Ackermann, president, Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals, Bausch + Lomb. “With the approval of ML6710i, eye care professionals now have a new state-of-the-art photodynamic laser that addresses a significant unmet need in PDT and is specifically designed to deliver Visudyne to patients who suffer from wet AMD with persistent fluid.”

ML6710i is a modern, easy-to-use and transportable ophthalmic laser that is controlled intuitively from an iPad mobile application. The laser’s beam shaping unit, which can be fit into all common slit lamps used for eye examinations, is formed into a circular, uniform spot to enable efficient treatment delivery of Visudyne.

“As a result of our efforts with Bausch + Lomb, along with the feedback that many eye care professionals provided to our teams, we are thrilled to bring forward an innovative cloud connected laser platform that the ophthalmology community can use to deliver Visudyne to patients in need of treatment of choroidal neovascularization due to AMD,” said Seppo Orsila, founder and CEO, Modulight.

About Visudyne

Visudyne is an injectable photosensitizer drug that is indicated for the treatment of patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to AMD, pathologic myopia or presumed ocular histoplasmosis. VISUDYNE 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.¹

Indication

Visudyne (verteporfin for injection) therapy is indicated for the treatment of patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to AMD, pathologic myopia or presumed ocular histoplasmosis.


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • Visudyne (verteporfin for injection) is contraindicated for patients with porphyria or known hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation.
  • Standard precautions should be taken during infusion of Visudyne to avoid extravasation, including but not limited to:
    • A free-flowing intravenous (IV) line should be established before starting Visudyne infusion and the line should be carefully monitored.
    • Due to the possibly fragility of vein walls of some elderly patients, it is strongly recommended that the largest arm vein possible, preferably the antecubital, be used for injection.
    • Small veins in the back of the hand should be avoided.
  • Extravasation of Visudyne, especially if the affected area is exposed to light, can cause severe pain, inflammation, swelling or discoloration at the injection site. If extravasation does occur, the infusion should be stopped immediately. The extravasation area must be thoroughly protected from direct light until swelling and discoloration have faded in order to prevent the occurrence of local burn, which could be severe. Cold compresses should be applied to the injection site. Oral medication for pain relief may be administered.
  • Following injection with Visudyne, care should be taken to avoid exposure of skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days. If emergency surgery is necessary within 48 hours after treatment, as much of the internal tissue as possible should be protected from intense light.
  • Patients who experience severe decrease of vision of 4 lines or more within 1 week after treatment should not be retreated, at least until their vision completely recovers to pretreatment levels and potential benefits and risks of subsequent treatment are carefully considered by the treating physician.
  • The most frequently reported adverse events (occurring in approximately 10%-30% of patients) were injection site reactions (including pain, edema, inflammation, extravasation, rashes, hemorrhage, and discoloration), and visual disturbances (including blurred vision, flashes of light, decreased visual acuity, and visual field defects, including scotoma).


References
  1. VISUDYNE [package insert], Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.