Alcon to Acquire LumiThera, Expanding into Dry AMD Treatment

Alcon, a global leader in eye care, has announced its plans to acquire LumiThera, a company specializing in innovative light-based therapies for ocular conditions. This strategic move marks Alcon's entry into the treatment landscape for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive eye disease affecting millions worldwide.

Groundbreaking Light Therapy for Dry AMD

LumiThera's flagship product, the Valeda system, employs photobiomodulation (PBM) technology to treat dry AMD. This non-invasive approach uses different wavelengths of low-level light to stimulate mitochondrial activity in retinal cells. The FDA granted a landmark clearance to the Valeda system in late 2024, recognizing it as the first U.S. therapeutic option for adults with dry AMD.

Clinical data supporting the Valeda system's efficacy is promising. Patients treated with the device showed an average improvement of one line on a standard eye chart after two years of in-office treatments. Additionally, an extended open-label trial demonstrated that patients maintained some vision benefits even after a 20-month treatment gap and experienced vision recovery upon retreatment.

Expanding Alcon's Ophthalmic Portfolio

Sean Clark, VP and general manager of Alcon's global surgical franchise, emphasized the significance of this acquisition: "Dry AMD is an area of significant unmet need, and PBM is an efficacious, non-invasive light therapy that can provide visual improvement for patients with early and intermediate disease."

The addition of LumiThera's technology complements Alcon's recent investments in laser-based surgical systems. In July 2024, Alcon offered $466 million for Belkin Vision's automated glaucoma therapy, and in March 2025, the company announced a $356 million deal for Lensar's Ally robotic cataract platform.

Transaction Details and Future Outlook

While the financial terms of the LumiThera acquisition remain undisclosed, the deal is expected to close by the end of September 2025. Notably, the transaction will not include LumiThera's AdaptDx and Diopsys Nova vision testing and diagnostic devices, which will be spun off into a separate entity.

LumiThera's President and CEO, Clark Tedford, expressed enthusiasm about the merger: "We are thrilled that Alcon agrees in the potential that this device has to change the lives of millions living with dry AMD, and we are confident that Alcon has the capabilities to broadly commercialize it."

With Alcon's global reach and clinical expertise, the Valeda system is poised for wider adoption among eye care professionals and patients worldwide. The technology, which already holds CE Mark approval in Europe and is available in several international markets, is set to play a crucial role in addressing the growing challenge of dry AMD, which affects nearly 200 million people globally.