Alcon’s vitreoretinal-cataract system receives Health Canada approval

TORONTO - Alcon (ALC), a prominent player in the Healthcare Equipment & Supplies industry with a market capitalization of $43 billion, has received Health Canada approval for its UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS), the company announced Tuesday. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains strong financial health with $9.9 billion in revenue over the last twelve months.

The system combines vitreoretinal and cataract surgical capabilities in one integrated platform, designed to enhance workflow efficiencies compared to Alcon’s current CONSTELLATION Vision System and CENTURION Vision System. With a healthy current ratio of 2.7 and steady revenue growth of 3.8%, Alcon continues to demonstrate its market leadership. InvestingPro subscribers can access 12 additional key insights about Alcon’s market position and growth potential.

According to the company, the Unity VCS features a novel phacoemulsification modality that delivers up to twice faster nucleus removal with 40% less energy into the eye. The system also includes a phaco handpiece that estimates temperature at the incision site.

For vitreoretinal procedures, the technology offers cutting speeds of up to 30,000 cuts per minute, which Alcon describes as the world’s fastest vitrectomy probe.

"This is a proud moment to see the world-class innovation from Alcon receive approval in Canada," said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, ophthalmologist and chair of Alcon’s North America Cataract Core Advisory Board, in the press release. "I’m particularly excited about the stability of the fluidics and cutting efficiency of the platform."

Franck Leveiller, Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer at Alcon, stated that the company engaged customers throughout the research and development process.

The Unity VCS is the first product to be introduced from Alcon’s Unity portfolio. The company has tested the system with more than 200 surgeons from over 30 countries during investigational advisory wet lab sessions.

Alcon plans to commercially launch the Unity VCS in early 2026, according to the announcement.

The company, which describes itself as the global leader in eye care, said the system will be supported by Alcon’s training, product maintenance, and services teams.

In other recent news, Alcon announced its plan to acquire LumiThera, Inc., along with its photobiomodulation device for treating early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This device, which has received FDA de novo market authorization, is noted for its ability to improve vision in patients with dry AMD over a two-year treatment period. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and a shareholder vote. Meanwhile, Stifel has reiterated its Buy rating on Alcon, citing potential stabilization in its U.S. intraocular lens (IOL) market, although challenges may persist internationally due to competition.

In another development, Alcon received approval in Canada for its Clareon PanOptix Pro intraocular lens, which is designed to reduce light scatter for cataract patients. The new lens will be available in Canada in early 2026 and features improved optical technology. Additionally, DP World subsidiary P&O Maritime Logistics is set to acquire a 51% stake in NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers’ cement assets, expanding its reach in global logistics. This transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is anticipated to close in the coming months.

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