Corneal Cross-linking System to be introduced to the UK Market by Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd.

Intacs manufacturer to offer surgeons more treatment options for keratoconus.

Broadstone, Dorset Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd working closely with the manufacturer of specialty ophthalmic devices Addition Technology, announced today that it will launch the Intacs XL corneal collagen cross-linking system as an additional treatment option for keratoconus and other ectatic conditions.

“Addition Technology have been following the corneal cross-linking technology and clinical results for several years since the original breakthrough work published by Theo Seiler M.D. in the early 2000’s. Addition Technology became further interested upon the commencement of a US FDA clinical trail lead by Doyle Stulting M.D.,” said William M. Flynn, President & CEO of Addition Technology. “For the past five years, Addition Technology have engaged in detailed discussions with many companies regarding the dynamics of the business, including the formulations of the riboflavin used in the procedure, the UV light which catalyzes the effectiveness of the procedure, in order to find the right development partner to support our entry into this market. As a cornea company, Intacs XL is a significant step in assisting surgeons around the world in addressing the challenges of keratoconus and other ectatic conditions.”

The riboflavin solution will be marketed under the brand names Intacs XL- Solution D and Intacs XL- Solution H for normal and abnormally thin corneas. The UV lamp, an essential part of the procedure, also will be marketed under the trade name Intacs XL. The product has received the CE Mark from European regulatory authorities and the Kestrel plans to begin the product introduction in the first quarter of 2012.

“A unique dynamic related to Intacs and corneal cross-linking is the use by practitioners of a combination of both technologies. Intacs has proved its efficacy and safety in making bio-mechanical changes to the keratoconic cornea and cornea cross-linking has been shown to generate a chemical change in strengthening corneal tissue. From my experience, the combination of both products used appropriately addresses the keratoconus condition in a permanent manner,” said Joseph Colin, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Bordeaux, France.

“Addition Technology has established a product platform which addresses specialty, complex needs of both ophthalmic surgeons and patients.” said L. Lawrence Chapoy, the company’s Chief Technical Officer. “The company has based all of their device initiatives on good clinical science supported by patents. The Intacs XL corneal cross-linking system is a further evolutionary step in this product continuum.”

“Kestrel are delighted to be partnering with Addition Technology on another premium ophthalmic device” said Ian Ponsford, Managing Director. Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd. “We have worked closely on Intacs and Intacs SK corneal implants since 2003. Treatment modalities have advanced and improved greatly since that time for the keratoconic patient and Cross Linking is a logical next step forward in this treatment area”

Intacs and Intacs SK are marketed worldwide for the surgical treatment of keratoconus. These implants act to reshape and support the cornea to a more normal, natural prolate shape thereby producing improved vision for keratoconic sufferers who are contact lens intolerant.

ABOUT KESTREL OPHTHALMICS LTD

Kestrel Ophthalmics Limited was incorporated in March 2001. It is a family business with all members of the family playing a key role in developing and nurturing the growth of the company. Having started with just Oasis and Biolon, the business has concentrated on sourcing innovative products from around the world in the ophthalmic arena. The business has grown significantly since 2001, representing the following Ophthalmic products:

• Biolon
• Croma Pharma
• e.janach
• Human Optics
• Intacs
• Molteno
• Oasis
• Oftaquix
• Oxyal

Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd has a team covering the whole of UK and Ireland. The team is trained to adopt the highest standards and is focused on innovation, quality and education, whilst delivering excellent customer service.  As the name suggests, the company’s product focus is on ophthalmology.  The business aim is to become the most respected distributor of ophthalmic products in the UK through the introduction and sales of innovative products and through the quality of service to its customers and to its suppliers.