FORT WORTH, April 17, 2025 – Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced its innovative lineup of new product offerings, showcasing its commitment to improving surgical efficiency and patient outcomes at the 2025 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting, April 25-28, in Los Angeles. This year’s event will feature Alcon’s most recent product introductions across specialty areas ranging from cataract and refractive to glaucoma and retina, as well as several peer-to-peer symposia, in-booth demonstrations, and more. Over 50 studies will be presented at this year’s event, including Phase 3 findings on Alcon’s pharmaceutical candidate for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED), AR-15512 (acoltremon ophthalmic solution) 0.003% and new comfort-related data that supports performing phacoemulsification at a lower intraocular pressure (IOP).

"With an unprecedented showcase of cutting-edge innovation and clinical data on display, we are introducing new technologies that will shape the future of ophthalmology," said Sergio Duplan, Senior Vice President, President, Americas, for Alcon. “Our commitment to developing first-of-its-kind innovations that equip eye care professionals with essential tools for exceptional care and excellent outcomes for patients is unwavering.”

Innovation in focus
In addition to product demos at the booth, Alcon is presenting the first-hand perspective of several of the industry’s leading ophthalmologists through its new peer-to-peer in-booth presentation series, Innovation in Focus. These surgeons will share the impact that Alcon’s latest innovations, including UNITY^® VCS/CS, PanOptix^® Pro, Voyager™ DSLT, wavelight^® plus, and Adi have had on their practice. A total of 13 presentations will take place from Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27. For the full schedule, visit www.MyAlconatASCRS.com. 

Symposia showcasing cutting-edge innovations
A special breakfast symposium will highlight Alcon intraocular lenses (IOLs). The event – Current IOLs: What does new comparative clinical data say about efficacy and efficiency? – will be presented by Alcon Medical Affairs and moderated by Robert Melendez, MD. It will feature panelists Clayton Blehm, MD, Zach Balest, MD, and Dagny Zhu, MD. (Saturday, April 26, 6:30 a.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Rm# 408 AB). 

In addition to the breakfast symposium, the Alcon Medical Affairs team will host scientific exchange presentations at the Alcon booth. A complete schedule and registration are available here or at the Alcon booth.

ASCRS attendees are also invited to join a special lunch symposium, Experience Extraordinary: Better Together with Unity VCS/CS and PanOptix Pro. The symposium will be moderated by Rosa Braga Mele, MD, featuring panelists Nicole Fram, MD, Morgan Micheletti, MD, Matt Rauen, MD, and Lawrence Woodard, MD. (Saturday, 11:30 a.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Eye World Theater). 

Pivotal data to be presented for AR-15512 (acoltremon ophthalmic solution) 0.003%, an investigational pharmaceutical product for the signs and symptoms of DED
Investigators studying Acoltremon 0.003%, Alcon’s pharmaceutical dry eye pipeline candidate and first-in-class transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) agonist, will present Phase 3 results from their pivotal COMET-2, COMET-3, and COMET-4 clinical studies.^1-5  Five scientific papers will be presented: 

• Laura M. Periman, MD, Guru Pattar, MD, and Euguene B. McLaurin, MD, et al. (April 26, 4:10 p.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, 505)¹
• Preeya Gupta, MD, James Paauw, MD, and Mitchell Shultz, MD, et al. (April 26, 4:20 p.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, 505)² 
• Laura M. Periman, MD, Kenneth Kenyon, MD, and Blair Boehmer, MD, et al. (April 26, 4:37 p.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, 505)³
• David Wirta, MD, Gary Jenkins, MD, and James Paauw, MD, et al. (April 27, 10:38 a.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, 512)⁴ 
• David Wirta, MD, Sheila Garcia-Santana, MD, and David Almeida, MD, et al. (April 28, 10:10 a.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, 504)⁵

Additional studies highlighting impact of Alcon innovation on patient outcomes include:

• Evidence supports that 3-month postoperative visual acuity between Clareon Monofocal and Clareon Toric are non-inferior to those of Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL), when targeting mini-monovision. More information about this study will be presented in a scientific paper authored by Clayton Blehm, MD. (April 27, 10:00 a.m. PDT, LA Convention Center Level 2, 505)⁶
• In refractive outcomes, new evidence supports that at 6-months post-op, Contoura^® with Phorcides^® outperforms SMILE^ across multiple visual metrics including UDVA, CDVA, low contrast (LC) UDVA, LC best corrected visual acuity, as well as lower incidence of higher order aberrations, trefoil and residual manifest cylinder. A scientific paper presented by Charisma Evangelista, MD, at this year’s conference will further highlight the findings of this study. (April 27, 4:05 p.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, 512)⁷
• In cataract surgery outcomes, new findings indicate that, compared to procedures performed at a higher IOP setting (65 mmHg), performing the procedure at a lower IOP setting (24 mmHg) reduces patient pain and the incidence of reverse pupillary block, while also eliminating the need for additional medication to manage intraoperative breakthrough discomfort. Further details on this study can be found at the conference in two scientific papers presented by Matthew Rauen, MD. (April 26, 8:35 a.m. PDT, LA Convention Center Meeting Room Level, 510)^8,9  
• Data indicate that when used with ARGOS^® Biometer measurements in patients with history of refractive surgery, the Barrett True Axial Length (BTAL) formula for calculating IOL power has statistically superior (p=0.05) accuracy compared to the Barrett Universal II (BU II) formula in short eyes, with similar accuracy in medium and long eyes. Dr. Hanna John Shammas will present the findings of this prospective study led by Tanner Ferguson, MD, in a scientific paper at this year’s conference. (April 27, 8:05 a.m. PDT, LA Convention Center, Level 2, 510)¹⁰

Alcon Unveils Adi: A Cutting-Edge Digital Platform Connecting the Clinic to the OR
As part of Alcon’s commitment to providing complete, connected care, the company is introducing Adi, the digital platform within Alcon Vision Suite, that enhances clinical and workflow efficiency. Adi offers a growing suite of cloud-based digital tools that connect clinic workflows with the surgery center. By linking patient and surgery data from the clinic to the OR, Adi helps ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time. The first set of product modules will be available for demo at the Alcon booth:

• Clinic Connect: A web-based platform where clinics can enter patient and IOL information for upcoming surgeries, informing the surgery center exactly what's needed and when.
• Inventory Manager: Quickly scan and inventory Alcon IOLs and Custom Pak^® with a handheld scanner, so the surgery center knows what Alcon inventory is needed before surgery day.
• Online Store: Easily order missing IOLs and Custom Pak with just a few clicks, so everything arrives on time for surgery.

Additional educational opportunities, experiences and demos for surgeons will be available at the Alcon booth #1815. To register for Alcon-sponsored events and learn more about the Alcon products on display at ASCRS, please visit www.MyAlconatASCRS.com. 

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

About UNITY^® VCS and CS

The UNITY^® VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e., phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (i.e., vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the optional laser, this system is indicated for photocoagulation (i.e., vitreoretinal and macular pathologies), iridotomy and trabeculoplasty procedures. The UNITY^® CS (Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e., phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) ophthalmic surgery. Refer to the Directions for Use for the accessories/consumables and User Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes.

About Clareon^® PanOptix Pro

The Clareon^® PanOptix^® Pro Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the Clareon^® PanOptix^® Pro Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide.

Potential Side Effects: Due to the design of multifocal IOLs, there are some side effects that can be associated with the Clareon^® PanOptix^® Pro Trifocal IOL models. These may be worse than with a monofocal IOL, including visual disturbances such as glare, rings around lights, starbursts (rays around light sources), and reduced contrast sensitivity (decreased ability to distinguish objects from their background, especially in dim lighting). These side effects may make it more difficult to see while driving at night or completing tasks in low lighting conditions such as at night or in fog or in a dimly lit room after surgery, as compared to before surgery.

About Clareon^® IOLs and Delivery Systems

The family of Clareon^® intraocular lenses (IOLs) includes the Clareon^® Aspheric Hydrophobic Acrylic and Clareon^® Aspheric Toric IOLs, the Clareon^® PanOptix^® Trifocal Hydrophobic IOL, Clareon PanOptix^® Toric, Clareon Vivity^® Extended Vision Hydrophobic Posterior Chamber IOL and Clareon^® Vivity^® Toric IOLs. Each of these IOLs is indicated for visual correction of aphakia in adult patients following cataract surgery. In addition, the Clareon^® Toric IOLs are indicated to correct pre-existing corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. The Clareon^® PanOptix^® lens mitigates the effects of presbyopia by providing improved intermediate and near visual acuity while maintaining comparable distance visual acuity with a reduced need for eyeglasses, compared to a monofocal IOL. The Clareon^® Vivity^® lens mitigates the effects of presbyopia by providing an extended depth of focus. Compared to an aspheric monofocal IOL, the lens provides improved intermediate and near visual acuity while maintaining comparable distance visual acuity. All of these IOLs are intended for placement in the capsular bag. Careful preoperative evaluation and sound clinical judgment should be used by the surgeon to decide the risk/benefit ratio before implanting any IOL in a patient with any of the conditions described in the Directions for Use that accompany each IOL. Prior to surgery, physicians should provide prospective patients with a copy of the Patient Information Brochure available from Alcon, informing them of possible risks and benefits associated with these IOLs. Reference the Directions for Use labelling for each IOL for a complete listing of indications, warnings and precautions.

About Voyager™ DSLT

Indications / Intended Use: The Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) device is an ophthalmic laser device designed for performing selective laser trabeculoplasty. It is an automated device for direct selective laser trabeculoplasty (DSLT) that employs a Q‒switched, 3‒ns pulse width, frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser of wavelength 532 nm. It directs the 400‒μm diameter laser beam to the eye limbus region without any contact with the patient's eye. An image-processing algorithm automatically locates the target area on the limbus, which the operator or eye care professional (ECP) adjusts as necessary. After the operator confirms the limbus target, an eye-tracking algorithm tracks eye movement so that the laser pulses are delivered accurately to the targeted location on the limbus. Refer to the Directions for Use for the accessories/consumables and User Guide for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes.

About wavelight^® plus

The wavelight^® femtosecond and excimer laser systems are medical devices that are indicated for use in performing laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedures to correct certain kinds of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The INNOVEYES™ Sightmap is indicated for screening and diagnosis of adult patients who may undergo a customized photorefractive treatment with the wavelight^® laser systems. Only doctors who are well versed in its diagnostic abilities and possible dangers should use wavelight^® technology. The most common risks of refractive laser vision correction surgery include dry eye syndrome; the possible need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery; visual symptoms including halos, glare, starbursts, and double vision; and loss of vision.

About AR-15512 (acoltremon ophthalmic solution) 0.003%

AR-15512 (acoltremon ophthalmic solution) 0.003%, is an investigational drug candidate undergoing FDA review for the treatment of dry eye disease.

About ARGOS^® Biometer

ARGOS^® is a non-invasive, non-contact biometer based on Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT). The device is intended to acquire ocular measurements as well as perform calculations to determine the appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) power and type for implantation during intraocular lens placement. Please refer to the ARGOS^® User Manual for a complete description of proper use and maintenance, optical and technical specifications, as well as a complete list of warnings and precautions.

^Trademarks property of their respective owners

References

1. Periman LM, Pattar G, McLaurin EB, et al. Symptom Improvement with Acoltremon 0.003% Within 1 Month of Dosing: Results From Phase 3 Pivotal Clinical Studies. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
2. Gupta P, Paauw J, Shultz M, et al. Total Ocular Staining Reduction Associated with Acoltremon 0.003%, a Novel TRPM8 Agonist: Results From Phase 3 Pivotal Studies. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
3. Periman LM, Kenyon K, Boehmer B, et al. Treatment with Acoltremon 0.003%, a Novel TRPM8 Agonist, Improves Multiple DED Symptoms: Results From Phase 3 Clinical Studies. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
4. Wirta D, Jenkins G, Paauw J, et al. High Percentage of Subjects Treated with Acoltremon 0.003% Achieve Normal Tear Production as Early as Day 1: Phase 3 Pivotal Clinical Study Results. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
5. Wirta D, Garcia-Santana S, Almeida D, et al. Sustained Tear Production with Acoltremon 0.003% Over 12 Months: Results From COMET-4, a Phase 3 Long-Term Safety Study. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
6. Blehm C. Visual Outcomes with Mini-Monovision between a Monofocal versus an Adjustable Intraocular Lens. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
7. Evangelista C. How do clinical outcomes from Contoura with Phorcides compare to SMILE? Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
8. Rauen M, LeGrand S, O’Connor S. Less Discomfort and Less Pharmacology: Cataract Surgery at Physiologic Intraocular Pressure - The Patient Experience. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
9. Rauen M, LeGrand S, O’Connor S. Less Discomfort and Less Pharmacology: Cataract Surgery at Physiologic Intraocular Pressure - Breakthrough Discomfort and Surgeon Experience. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.
10. Ferguson T, Shammas HJ. Accuracy of the new Barrett TAL formula with the Argos measurements. A multicenter prospective study. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2025; Los Angeles.

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