AMO To Launch New Ophthalmic Products In India

Advanced Medical Optics India Pvt. Ltd, the Indian arm of the US-based global ophthalmic medical device leader, Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO), is expanding its market presence in India by launching new products and by setting up an extensive marketing and sales network.

Advanced Medical Optics India Pvt. Ltd, which took off a few week ago, will directly market AMO products in India. The company will soon launch Tecnis multifocal and Tecnis Acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs), VISX STAR S4 IR laser vision correction systems, Complete MoisturePlus contact lens care solution, and Complete Aquavision and blink branded products in the Indian market. So far AMO products were marketed in India through Allergan, which was dissociated from AMO in the recent past.

AMO is planning an investment of over US$10 million in India, mainly to set up direct sales and marketing teams, education programmes for ophthalmologists and eye care specialists, with product launches in India. The current immediate plan of AMO is to expand its sales and marketing strength in India. AMO India plans to focus on a direct sales model and is investing heavily in the recruitment and training of the Indian team, besides offering training to their customers.

"There are plans to further increase AMO's presence into Indian market and more investments are expected in the coming months especially with the launch of new products such as multifocal lenses which give more independence from spectacles and expansion of the Tecnis IOL family. The Tecnis IOL is the only IOL to ever have been granted a claim by the FDA related to safer driving," informed James Francese, VP, Laser Vision Correction group, AMO.

(Ref : Chronicle Pharmabiz dated September 8, 2005)

States Ignore AERB Directive To Monitor X-Ray & Scan Centres

Despite repeated requests from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to set up a Directorate of Radiation Safety (DRS) to monitor the safety and efficacy of the X-ray and CT scan centres operating in states, none of State Governments barring Kerala has initiated any steps in this regard.

Presently, AERB, the sole authority to enforce the regulatory requirements for the safe use of radiation and isotopes through out the country, is conducting inspections in various states to check whether the doses of radiation used in X-ray and CT scans are within the limits prescribed by international standards. AERB also monitors whether the hospital authorities are keeping reasonable safety standards.

Due to the wilful breach of these norms by various hospitals and diagnostic clinics, the public is suffering from hazards of emission of radiation from the X-ray machines installed throughout the country. The case is still pending in the court.

(Ref : Chronicle Pharmabiz dated September 8, 2005)