VAUGHAN, Ontario—Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a leading global eye health company, and Modulight Corporation, a biomedical laser company, 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). ML6710i is expected to be available for eyecare professionals during the first half of 2023.

“PDT continues to be an important treatment option for eyecare 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, eyecare 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 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 eyecare 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.