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Recent findings from WaveLight, Inc., provide an update on new developments(Life Science Weekly Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Recent findings from WaveLight, Inc., provide an update on new developments. This trend article is an immediate alert from NewsRx to identify the most recent news developments at WaveLight, Inc. Report 1: WaveLight, Inc. (FWB:WLT) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved wavefront-guided and mixed astigmatism indications for the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q system. WaveLight's second ALLEGRETTO WAVE system introduced in the U.S., the Eye-Q is the fastest laser vision correction platform available today. "We are pleased to provide surgeons with an even broader set of treatment options for the Eye-Q system," said Wolfgang Tolle, CEO of WaveLight, Inc. "In accordance with our clinical philosophy, WaveLight's ALLEGRETTO WAVE technology delivers consistent and superior outcomes on all platforms with either our proprietary Wavefront Optimized(TM) or wavefront-guided treatment modalities. We offer these choices so that the physician may determine which treatment is best suited for each individual patient." The Eye-Q wavefront-guided LASIK procedure was approved by the FDA for the reduction or elimination of up to -7.00 diopters (D) of spherical equivalent of myopia or myopia with astigmatism, with up to -7.00 D of spherical component and up to 3.00 D of astigmatic component at the spectacle plane. The procedure may be performed on patients who are 18 years of age or older with documentation of a stable manifest refraction defined as less than or equal to 0.50 D of preoperative spherical equivalent shift over one year prior to surgery. The procedure may also be performed with a custom offset of -3.00 to +1.00 D for sphere and -3.00 to 0.00 D for cylinder. The Eye-Q mixed astigmatism procedure was approved by the FDA for the reduction or elimination of naturally occurring mixed astigmatism of up to 6.00 D at the spectacle plane in patients who are 21 years of age or older with documentation of a stable manifest refraction defined as less than or equal to 0.50 D of preoperative spherical equivalent shift over one year prior to surgery. "The latest Eye-Q wavefront approval is the fourth FDA approval for WaveLight in the past twelve months, and brings the approvals for the 400 Hertz Eye-Q laser in line with those for the 200 Hertz ALLEGRETTO," said Guy M. Kezirian, M.D., F.A.C.S., president and founder of SurgiVision(R) Regulatory Consultants, Inc. This is a very exciting development for American ophthalmology. We now have access to WaveLight's latest technologies, which were previously unavailable in the United States." The 400 Hz ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q, approved in July 2006, corrects one D of nearsightedness or farsightedness in just two seconds. The reduction in treatment time results in a shorter, more comfortable procedure for the patient. It is particularly beneficial for treating high myopia, high astigmatism or other time-intensive procedures. For a complete list of treatment disclosures, please visit www.wavelight.com/eyes. WaveLight AG (ISIN DE 000 512 5603) WaveLight AG has been listed on Deutsch Borse AG's Prime Standard segment since January 2003: The company, which develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality products for ophthalmology, specializes in vision optics. The market success of WaveLight is based on a dense sales network comprised of WaveLight's own sales channels as well as the sales channels of strategic partners. Further information on WaveLight is available at: www.wavelight.com. Report 2: WaveLight, Inc. announced the appointment of Frederic N. "Ric" Tiplady as the new Vice President of Business Development for North America. Reporting directly to CEO Wolfgang Tolle, Mr. Tiplady will collaborate closely with the sales team and will seek to broaden laser installations. "With 30 years of sales experience, including the launch of one of the first refractive laser platforms in the U.S., Ric's extensive knowledge of the industry makes him ideal for this position," said Blake D. Michaels, Vice President of U.S. Sales. "I look forward to working with Ric to support our sales team and to provide more opportunities for physicians to join the ALLEGRETTO WAVE family." Prior to his appointment at WaveLight, Mr. Tiplady was the Vice President of Sales, U.S., for VISX Inc. and later for the Laser Vision Group of Advanced Medical Optics. In his role at VISX, he was integrally involved in bringing several generations of laser platforms to commercial prominence domestically. Before this, he was the Area Director of Refractive Lasers at Alcon, where he was responsible for the excimer laser launch and initial market development in the Western U.S. Mr. Tiplady earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marylhurst University in Oregon and has completed graduate work at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. He has demonstrated a commitment to ongoing ophthalmic education though his participation in both in-house clinical programs and professional symposia. Mr. Tiplady has been a frequent speaker to industry and physician groups. "The ALLEGRETTO WAVE is a superior refractive surgery platform that has elicited a devoted following among many of the ophthalmic industry's most prominent surgeons," stated Ric Tiplady. "I am thrilled to join WaveLight at this time and look forward to building relationships with both existing and prospective customers." "Ric's appointment supports WaveLight's growth strategy during the next three years," said Wolfgang Tolle, CEO of WaveLight, Inc. "We are confident that Ric's experience in ophthalmology and zeal for advanced technology will help WaveLight achieve its near term goals." Ric Tiplady may be reached at [email protected] and Blake Michaels may be reached at [email protected]. Or, please contact WaveLight, Inc. directly at 571-434-8500. WaveLight AG (ISIN DE 000 512 5603) WaveLight AG has been listed on Deutsch Borse AG's Prime Standard segment since January 2003: The company, which develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality products for ophthalmology, specializes in vision optics. The market success of WaveLight is based on a dense sales network comprised of WaveLight's own sales channels as well as the sales channels of strategic partners. Further information on WaveLight is available at: www.wavelight.com Report 3: WaveLight, Inc. (FWB:WLT) announced that Ken Nelson has joined the company as the Chief Financial Officer to oversee finance-related strategic and operational decisions for the U.S. subsidiary. This appointment further strengthens the U.S. executive management team led by CEO Wolfgang Tolle that includes Blake Michaels, Vice President of Sales; Luca Sergio, Vice President of Marketing; and the recently appointed Ric Tiplady, Vice President of Business Development and Beth Martinko, Vice President Customer Service. "With three decades of international finance and operational experience, Ken Nelson has the practical insight to help guide WaveLight, Inc. to its next stage of evolution," said CEO Wolfgang Tolle. "Acquiring such a seasoned CFO along with the other highly-experienced members of our management team, demonstrates our commitment to further grow the company, broaden our leadership position in the refractive laser industry and provide unparalleled support to our burgeoning customer base." Prior to joining WaveLight, Inc., Nelson was Managing Partner for London-based Highgate Associates, LLC. There, he raised more than 65 million dollars, completed six divestitures and four European acquisitions. Nelson was previously the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Nextone Communications, Inc. where he raised more than 80 million dollars in funding and had direct responsibility for the company's daily operations, support, installations as well as all financial, accounting, tax, legal, IR and administrative functions. Before Nextone, Nelson was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Internet B2B technology firm, Cyveillance, Inc. Nelson served in similar capacities at several other publicly traded and private technology firms, including 11 years as Vice President and Treasurer of the NASDAQ- listed international professional service firm, ICF International, where he developed and executed strategies for more than 600 million dollars in financing. Nelson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont and his Masters of Business Administration in Finance at the University of Connecticut in Hartford. Later he completed the M & A Series of the Executive Program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. "WaveLight provides a unique opportunity for me to apply my background in finance and strategic leadership to a team that is poised for tremendous growth," said Ken Nelson. "I am excited to build upon WaveLight's recent successes, in particular the achievement of 18 percent consolidated growth and 32 percent growth in the U.S. for the first half of fiscal year 2006/2007." WaveLight AG has been listed on Deutsch Borse AG's Prime Standard segment since January 2003: The company, which develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality products for ophthalmology, specializes in vision optics. The market success of WaveLight is based on a dense sales network comprised of WaveLight's own sales channels as well as the sales channels of strategic partners. Further information on WaveLight is available at: www.wavelight.com Copyright 2007 Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com |