Alcon partners with Google
GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL company Novartis has entered into a partnership with Google which will see its eye care division, Alcon, work to develop a “smart” contact lens.
Under the agreement Alcon and Google will work together to create and commercialise a smart contact lens which has
the potential to address ocular conditions.
Consequently, Alcon has con firmed that its focus for the smart contact lens will be on utilising the technology to help diabetics track their blood sugar levels. It will also consider the technology as a way to help restore the eye's natural autofocus.
Speaking about the partnership, CEO of Novartis, Joseph Jimenez, said: “We are looking forward to working with Google to bring together its advanced technology and our extensive knowledge of biology to meet unmet medical needs.
“This is a key step for us to go beyond the con fines of traditional disease management, starting with the eye.”
Division head of Alcon, Jeff George, added: “Alcon and Google have a deep and common passion for innovation.By combining Alcon’s leadership in eye care and expertise in contact lenses and intraocular lenses with Google’s innovative
smart lens technology and groundbreaking speed in research, we aim to unlock a new frontier to jointly address the
unmet medical needs of millions of eye care patients around the world.”
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed and the transaction remains subject to anti-trust approvals.