Alcon Inc. reports developments in eye care through its Surgical and Vision Care businesses. Company news commonly covers quarterly results, constant-currency sales trends, product-launch momentum and portfolio updates across cataract and vitreoretinal surgical systems, intraocular lenses, contact lenses, lens-care products and ocular health.
Recurring updates also include launches and milestones for products such as Clareon, PanOptix, Vivity, TOTAL30, Precision7, Tryptyr and Unity, along with annual general meeting items, board elections, compensation votes, dividends, share repurchase authorizations, acquisitions, integration costs, R&D spending and other governance or capital-allocation actions.
Alcon announces its significant presence at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2022 Annual Meeting, showcasing 150 abstracts including 60 sponsored by the company. Key highlights include the performance of Clareon® IOL material, demonstrating excellent vision and clarity three years post-implantation, and the ARGOS® Biometer, which enhances surgical planning efficiency. Alcon focuses on innovation and data-driven results to support surgeons and improve patient outcomes.
Alcon (NYSE: ALC) has partnered with actress Kate Walsh to launch a multimedia campaign for Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops, aimed at raising awareness of dry eye symptoms. Walsh shares her journey with dry eye, emphasizing the importance of finding effective relief. The new drops provide 8 hours of symptom relief and are designed to hydrate all layers of the tear film. The campaign includes social media content and partnerships with influencers, alongside a commitment to assist communities in need of eye care during Dry Eye Awareness Month.
Alcon announced a partnership with actress Kate Walsh to promote the new Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops, aiming to address dry eye symptoms. The campaign, titled Make Every Look Count, features Walsh sharing her personal experience with dry eye relief and encourages others to seek effective solutions. The drops offer up to eight hours of relief with advanced nano-droplet technology and no preservatives. A multi-channel advertising strategy will launch in 2022 to enhance consumer awareness and product availability.
Alcon, a leader in eye care, will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 27, 2022, in a closed format due to COVID-19 precautions. Shareholders must send voting instructions to an independent representative. The Board proposes the election of Raquel C. Bono as a new member and a dividend of CHF 0.20 per share, with the record date on May 2 and payout on May 5. The meeting agenda includes the approval of financial statements and votes on board compensations.
Alcon has launched the Clareon family of intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the U.S., featuring advanced glistening-free material for superior clarity and consistent visual outcomes. The Clareon IOLs have been validated in over 30 peer-reviewed studies and are already used in more than one million eyes across 70 countries. The launch includes Clareon Monofocal, PanOptix, and Vivity IOLs, with further global rollouts planned. This innovation is poised to meet the growing demand for cataract surgeries, projected to reach 60 million annually by 2045.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE:ALC) reported strong financial results for Q4 and full year 2021. Q4 sales reached $2.1 billion, marking an 11% increase, while full year sales totaled $8.2 billion, up 22%. Core diluted EPS for 2021 was $2.15. The company achieved above-market growth in both Surgical and Vision Care segments, driven by innovative product launches. For 2022, Alcon projects sales between $8.7 billion to $8.9 billion, reflecting continued growth momentum.
Alcon (NYSE: ALC) has launched Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops in Europe, expanding its portfolio of dry eye products. This product is designed to provide relief for all types of dry eye for up to eight hours and is part of the fast-growing, preservative-free segment that now represents over 40% of the global artificial tears market, valued at approximately $1 billion annually. The U.S. and Australia market launches are planned for early 2022.
Alcon announces the launch of DAILIES TOTAL1 for Astigmatism, the first Water Gradient contact lens for astigmatism, available in the location value="LC/us"U.S. starting March 2022. This new lens expands Alcon's premium daily disposable portfolio, joining existing products like DAILIES TOTAL1 (sphere) and multifocal lenses. With a focus on comfort and vision stability, the toric lens market is rapidly growing, with only 10% of astigmatic patients currently using toric lenses, highlighting significant market opportunity.
Alcon (NYSE: ALC) has successfully completed its acquisition of Ivantis, the developer of the Hydrus Microstent, which is designed for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The integration of Ivantis associates is aimed at ensuring continuity for customers while expanding the reach of the Hydrus Microstent to more markets. The device has shown significant clinical benefits over five years, including reduced need for medication and surgeries. Alcon's CEO anticipates this acquisition will enhance their surgical portfolio and drive growth in the glaucoma market.
Alcon has launched PRECISION1, the first daily disposable contact lens using SMARTSURFACE Technology, enhancing visual performance and comfort. Available in Europe, North America, and parts of Latin America and Asia, PRECISION1 for Astigmatism addresses the needs of up to 41% of patients with astigmatism, as only 10% currently wear toric lenses. The lenses aim to improve retention rates among new users by tackling common issues like poor vision and comfort. Alcon emphasizes its commitment to eye care and enhancing the lens-wearing experience.