Alfa Instruments chooses Bausch + Lomb as exclusive global distributor for its surgical intraocular dyes

Leading global eye health company Bausch + Lomb (TSX: BLCO) has entered into an agreement with Alfa Instruments where the Canadian company will distribute and commercialise Alfa Instruments’ line of surgical intraocular dyes in all countries except Italy.

The exclusive distribution agreement struck between the two parties will see Bausch + Lomb’s surgical portfolio bolstered to now offer Alfa Instruments’ differentiated intraocular dyes, which have proven a success in the EU.

Italy-based Alfa Instruments is a medical device company with more than 60 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing, developing and marketing specialised products for surgical and diagnostic ophthalmic purposes.

Bausch + Lomb president of global consumer and vision care Joe Gordon said Alfa Instruments’ proven product is a welcomed addition to a “already comprehensive surgical portfolio”, which includes more than 400 products.

“The addition of these clinically proven intraocular dyes to our already comprehensive surgical portfolio will help surgeons enhance the visibility of targeted eye tissues, as well as identify transparent layers of the eye during vitreoretinal, corneal and cataract surgery,” he said.

“Our exclusive collaboration with Alfa Instruments demonstrates our commitment to providing eye care professionals with innovative products that are designed to help them achieve the best possible surgical outcomes for their patients.”

Bausch + Lomb aims to distribute and commercialise the surgical intraocular dyes across the globe, in all countries except Italy, where Alfa Instruments just two years ago, opened a new manufacturing site in the country’s south.

Exclusive distribution agreement

Through the agreement, Bausch + Lomb will be responsible for all distribution and commercial activities of Alfa Instruments’ Vitreocare intraocular dyes.

This includes Vitreo Lutein for vitreous staining, Single Lutein Blue for internal limiting membrane (ILM) staining, Double Lutein Blue for ILM and epiretinal membrane (ERM) staining, Phaco Lutein for anterior capsule staining and Trypan Blue for anterior capsule staining.

Vitreocare dyes contain lutein, a natural blue light filter, found to be a safe and effective dye agent, with its antioxidant properties being able to protect the retina during eye surgery.

The company also makes its Single Lutein Blue and Double Lutein Blue with the new high purity molecule Pure Benzyl-Brilliant Blue (PBB).

PBB improves ILM binding affinity and reduces diffusion into retinal layers, which mitigates potential cytotoxicity on off-target tissues.

Bausch + Lomb distribution network

Alfa Instruments’ surgical dyes have a CE mark and are presently sold in the EU, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

Bausch + Lomb aims to commence the distribution of the intraocular dyes in all EU countries, except Italy, in the first half of 2023.

The two companies are also continuing to work through regulatory requirements and approvals of the surgical dyes in other markets.

Alfa Instruments chief executive officer Fabio David said the opportunity to work with a leader in global eye care was significant.

“We are honoured and delighted to collaborate with Bausch + Lomb, one of the best known and most respected eye care companies in the world, because it will expand access of our intraocular dyes through Bausch + Lomb’s broad distribution network,” he said.

“We look forward to working together to help improve the vision needs of patients undergoing vitreoretinal, cataract or corneal surgery.”