Avedro Broadens Cross-Link Product Line

Corneal collagen cross-linking has been a vexing specialty for US-based companies trying to guide a product through a cautious FDA. But Massachusetts-based Avedro Inc., continues to establish a meaningful portfolio in the space through deals like the acquisition of Switzerland-based IROC Innocross AG.

Avedro acquired the assets of IROC Innocross, which was the first company to commercialize a cross-linking device for the treatment of keratoconus and other corneal pathologies, according to a release announcing the deal.

Avedro CEO David Muller says the deal makes Avedro

the only cross-linking company to address the entire market for corneal cross-linking procedures across all price points, allowing our seasoned distribution network to aggressively compete for and win the business of any ophthalmologist in the cross-linking space.”

First developed in Germany in the late 1990s, corneal cross-linking combines ultra-violet light and riboflavin eye drops to stabilize the cornea, according to the company. This limits the progression of keratoconus, a non-inflammatory eye condition that weakens the cornea.

At the April OIS@ASCRS, Muller participated in a short debate about whether cross-linking should be performed with a portion of the corneal epithelial off or on. Watch that exchange, as well as a panel discussion featuring venture capitalists, physicians and entrepreneurs as they review this opportunity in cross-linking, here.

Additionally, check back for an OIS Podcast featuring Muller coming soon.