Alcon acquires non USA rights to Ocriplasmin for Vitreomacular Adhesion

Alcon,a division of Novartis, has announced that it has gained exclusive rights from ThromboGenics, to commercialize ocriplasmin outside the United States for the treatment of Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion (VMA). If approved, it will be the first pharmacological treatment for patients with symptomatic VMA, including macular hole. Symptomatic VMA is a progressive, debilitating eye disease that may lead to visual distortion, loss in visual acuity and central blindness. Ocriplasmin is under review at EMA and has been filed at the FDA where a decision is expected in the second half of 2012.