Latest news with #AurionBiotech
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alcon Inc (ALC) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Resilient Growth Amid Market Challenges
Revenue: $2.5 billion, up 3% year-over-year. Core Operating Margin: 20.8%. Core Diluted Earnings: $0.73 per share. Surgical Franchise Revenue: $1.3 billion, up 2% year-over-year. Implantable Sales: $420 million, flat compared to the prior period. Consumables Sales: $712 million, up 6% year-over-year. Equipment Sales: $199 million, down 6% year-over-year. Vision Care Sales: $1.1 billion, up 3% year-over-year. Contact Lens Sales: $688 million, up 4% year-over-year. Ocular Health Sales: $432 million, up 2% year-over-year. Core Gross Margin: 63.2%. Free Cash Flow: $278 million, up from $229 million in the prior year. Full Year Revenue Guidance: $10.4 billion to $10.5 billion. Full Year Core Operating Margin Guidance: 20% to 21%. Full Year Core Diluted Earnings Guidance: $3.05 to $3.15 per share. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 8 Warning Signs with BOM:500387. Release Date: May 14, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Alcon Inc (NYSE:ALC) reported sales of $2.5 billion for the first quarter, reflecting a 3% growth, showcasing the company's resilience despite a soft US surgical market. The launch of Unity VCS and PanOptix Pro is expected to drive significant growth in the latter half of the year, with high single-digit revenue growth anticipated. Alcon Inc (NYSE:ALC) acquired a majority interest in Aurion Biotech, which could revolutionize corneal transplantation and potentially generate peak sales of $0.5 billion or more. The company's Vision Care segment saw strong growth, particularly in innovative lenses like Precision 1 and Total 30 families, which grew double digits. Alcon Inc (NYSE:ALC) is actively mitigating tariff impacts through strategic measures such as supplier diversification and optimizing its manufacturing network, aiming to offset the $80 million tariff pressure. The US surgical market remains soft, impacting Alcon Inc (NYSE:ALC)'s implantable sales, which were flat year-over-year at $420 million. Alcon Inc (NYSE:ALC) faces competitive pressures in the US market, particularly in the advanced technology IOLs segment. The company's equipment sales declined by 6% year-over-year, although growth is expected to accelerate in the second half of the year. Tariff impacts are expected to pressure cost of sales by approximately $80 million for the full year, with most of the impact in the second half. Alcon Inc (NYSE:ALC) has updated its full-year revenue guidance to reflect a softer US surgical market, now expecting sales growth of 6% to 7% in constant currency. Q: Can you elaborate on the expected growth acceleration for the remainder of the year and the factors driving it? A: (Timothy Stonesifer, CFO) The growth acceleration is expected in the back half of the year, driven by the timing of product launches such as Unity VCS, PanOptix Pro, Precision 7, and SYSTANE PRO. We anticipate high single-digit revenue growth in the latter half of the year, contributing to a 6% to 7% revenue growth for the full year. Q: What are your thoughts on the subdued US cataract market, and is it a market or competition issue? A: (David Endicott, CEO) The US cataract market's softness is primarily a market issue, not a competition issue. It's related to surgeon productivity, with many experienced surgeons retiring or reducing their workload. We expect the market to normalize over time, and our new products like Unity VCS can help improve surgical efficiency. Q: Can you provide more details on the impact of tariffs and how you plan to mitigate them? A: (Timothy Stonesifer, CFO) The gross impact of tariffs is estimated to pressure cost of sales by approximately $80 million for the full year. We plan to offset this through operational actions and currency tailwinds. The impact will be more significant in the second half of the year as tariffs are capitalized in inventory and flow into the income statement. Q: How is the launch of PanOptix Pro expected to perform, especially in light of competitors' recalls and relaunches? A: (David Endicott, CEO) We are excited about PanOptix Pro, which reduces light scatter by 50%, addressing issues like halos and glare. The product has been well-received, and we expect significant uptake. While competitors are back in the market, we remain confident in our product's competitive edge. Q: What is the outlook for the contact lens market, and how are legacy products impacting growth? A: (David Endicott, CEO) The contact lens market remains healthy, with mid-single-digit growth expected globally. While legacy products are declining, our new products like Precision 7 are gaining traction. We are under-indexed in the reusable lens category, which presents an opportunity for growth. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Aurion Biotech Appoints Edward J. Holland, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer and Eris P. Jordan, O.D., as Chief Development Officer
SEATTLE & CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aurion Biotech, a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company whose mission is to restore vision to millions of patients, today announced the appointments of Edward J. Holland, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer, and Eris P. Jordan, O.D., as Chief Development Officer. Aurion Biotech is developing AURN001, an investigational, single-administration, allogeneic cell therapy for the treatment of corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial disease, a condition that causes progressive vision loss in millions of people worldwide. Dr. Holland has been a key supporter of Aurion since its inception, serving as Chair of the Medical Advisory Board and leading the first team of U.S. corneal surgeons to deliver the cell therapy developed by Aurion Biotech, based on foundational technology from Professor Shigeru Kinoshita at Kyoto Prefecture University of Medicine. His insights and clinical leadership have helped shape the trajectory of Aurion's development program. Dr. Jordan, a co-founder of Aurion, has been instrumental at every stage of the company's clinical journey. She led the foundational clinical trials in El Salvador, including the IOTA and ESCALON studies, and has since overseen the expansion of Aurion's clinical development program into North America. Her contributions have brought Aurion's mission to life — grounded in tireless advocacy for patients and deep collaboration with the global corneal surgeon community. 'I've had the privilege of knowing Dr. Holland for over a decade,' said Arnaud Lacoste, Ph.D., M.B.A., Chief Executive Officer of Aurion. 'His dedication to patients and his leadership in corneal care have been instrumental to the success of our program. His appointment as Chief Medical Officer further strengthens our clinical and scientific foundation as we move toward late-stage development and, ultimately, broader patient access.' 'Over the past four years, Dr. Jordan has poured her heart into this program,' Lacoste continued. 'Her leadership of our global clinical trials has been extraordinary, and her commitment to patients and surgeons alike reflects who we are as a company. I'm honored to continue working with Eris as Chief Development Officer.' Dr. Holland added, 'Joining Aurion in this capacity is both exciting and deeply meaningful. I've seen firsthand the transformative potential of AURN001, and I look forward to helping the team bring this therapy to patients who urgently need new options.' Dr. Jordan commented, 'This program has always been about patients — those we've met and those still waiting. I'm grateful to lead the development of AURN001, and to work alongside a team so deeply committed to scientific excellence and to the people we serve.' About Edward J. Holland, M.D. Dr. Holland is a globally recognized leader in cornea and external disease. His numerous honors include the Senior Achievement and Life Achievement Honor Awards from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Binkhorst and Lindstrom Medals from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Castroviejo Award from the Cornea Society. He has been named among the 'Best Doctors in America' and has published extensively in both basic and clinical research, with over 300 peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Holland was the co-principal investigator of the Cornea Donor Study, the largest clinical trial ever conducted in the field of cornea, and he has co-edited five editions of Cornea, the most widely read textbook on corneal disease and surgery. About Eris P. Jordan, O.D. Dr. Jordan brings over two decades of experience across clinical practice and the ophthalmic industry, and she continues to serve as a practicing clinician specializing in cornea and anterior segment. Prior to co-founding Aurion Biotech and serving as Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs, she held leadership roles including Senior Director of Medical Affairs at CorneaGen, Clinical Team Lead and Surgeon Educator at AcuFocus, Inc., and Executive Clinical Outcomes Specialist in Bausch & Lomb's surgical division. Before transitioning to industry, Dr. Jordan spent a decade in direct patient care and served as Clinic Director for a cornea and anterior segment surgical practice. She completed her post-graduate training at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute—the top-ranked U.S. eye care institute—and earned both her Doctor of Optometry and Bachelor of Optical Sciences degrees in a fast-tracked program from Salus University, graduating with highest clinical honors. About Aurion Biotech Aurion Biotech's mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies. The company is developing AURN001, an investigational cell therapy for corneal endothelial disease. AURN001 is the first cell therapy for the corneal endothelium to be commercially launched (in Japan) and is advancing through clinical development in North America. Aurion received the prestigious Prix Galien award for Best Start-Up in Biotech in 2022. In 2025, Alcon acquired majority ownership of Aurion Biotech. For more information, visit
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Inner Circle acknowledges, Greg Kunst as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence
SEATTLE, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Greg Kunst is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions in the Biotech Industry. Greg Kunst stands at the forefront of the biotech industry, with over two decades of experience driving innovation and impactful advancements in patient care and global health. Currently serving as the president, chief executive officer, and board member at Aurion Biotech since 2021, Mr. Kunst has solidified his reputation as a leader in the field. In addition to his role at Aurion Biotech, Mr. Kunst serves on the board of Pr3vent INC since 2023 and acts as a strategic advisor at Oculogica since 2019. His strategic insights and visionary leadership have played a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of these organizations. Mr. Kunst's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in economics from Brigham Young University in 2002 and a Master of Business Administration in general management and strategy from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management in 2006. He has also completed prestigious programs such as the Novartis Advance Program in Strategy and Communications at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in 2014 and the M2 Leadership Program on the role of the leader at Novartis in 2013. Throughout his career, Mr. Kunst has achieved numerous accomplishments, including raising $132 million for Aurion Biotech over the last three years. He played a pivotal role in expanding Glaukos Corporation's revenue from zero to $300 million and expanding its presence to more than 20 countries. Currently, Mr. Kunst is focused on developing a new cell therapy to combat corneal blindness worldwide, demonstrating his commitment to driving impactful advancements in patient care. With affiliations in esteemed organizations such as Ophthalmic World Leaders and the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery, Mr. Kunst reflects a dedication to both professional excellence and personal fulfillment. His track record of leadership and innovation has earned him honors and awards, further solidifying his position as a visionary leader in the biotech industry. Looking ahead, Mr. Kunst is poised for continued growth and success, driving impactful advancements in patient care and global health within the biotech industry. His unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence continues to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Inner Circle Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aurion Biotech Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025
Ophthalmology Cell Therapy Innovator Included with Other Leading Companies SEATTLE & CAMBRIDGE, Mass & TOKYO, March 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aurion Biotech, Inc. (Aurion Biotech), whose mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies, today announced that the Company is proud to have been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. Aurion Biotech was named Number 4 in the Medicines, Therapeutics, and Pharmaceuticals category. "We are delighted to have earned this recognition," said Greg Kunst, CEO of Aurion Biotech. "Aurion's success is a result of the passion, dedication, focus on patients and inspiring contributions of our employees and our physicians." Aurion Biotech has had a busy, productive 18 months. Key achievements included: Enrolled and successfully dosed 97 subjects in its North American Phase 1/2 CLARA trial Sought and received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Regenerative Medicines Advanced Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Successfully dosed 25 subjects in the Company's Apaneca clinical trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a cryo-preserved formulation of its drug product candidate Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies hallmark franchise is one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company's editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. "Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future," said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. "This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward." The full list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25. Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation. About Aurion Biotech, Inc. Aurion Biotech's mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies. It received the prestigious Prix Galien award for best start-up in biotech in 2022. Aurion Biotech is advancing AURN001, an investigational single administration, allogeneic cell therapy to treat corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction. Aurion Biotech developed and has launched the first commercially available corneal endothelial cell therapy in Japan. To learn more, visit ABOUT FAST COMPANY Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Judith McGarry (corporate communications) Michele Gray (ophthalmology media) 917-449-9250michele@ Beth Keshishian (biotech & business media) 917-912-7195beth@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
18-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Aurion Biotech Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025
SEATTLE & CAMBRIDGE, Mass & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 18, 2025-- Aurion Biotech, Inc. (Aurion Biotech), whose mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies, today announced that the Company is proud to have been named to Fast Company 's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. Aurion Biotech was named Number 4 in the Medicines, Therapeutics, and Pharmaceuticals category. 'We are delighted to have earned this recognition,' said Greg Kunst, CEO of Aurion Biotech. 'Aurion's success is a result of the passion, dedication, focus on patients and inspiring contributions of our employees and our physicians.' Aurion Biotech has had a busy, productive 18 months. Key achievements included: Enrolled and successfully dosed 97 subjects in its North American Phase 1/2 CLARA trial Sought and received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Regenerative Medicines Advanced Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Successfully dosed 25 subjects in the Company's Apaneca clinical trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a cryo-preserved formulation of its drug product candidate Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies hallmark franchise is one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company' s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. 'Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,' said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. 'This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.' The full list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25. Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation. About Aurion Biotech, Inc. Aurion Biotech's mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies. It received the prestigious Prix Galien award for best start-up in biotech in 2022. Aurion Biotech is advancing AURN001, an investigational single administration, allogeneic cell therapy to treat corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction. Aurion Biotech developed and has launched the first commercially available corneal endothelial cell therapy in Japan. To learn more, visit ABOUT FAST COMPANY (corporate communications) 415-971-2900 [email protected] Gray (ophthalmology media) 917-449-9250 [email protected] Keshishian (biotech & business media) 917-912-7195 [email protected] INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY FDA HEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL OPTICAL SOURCE: Aurion Biotech, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/18/2025 09:21 AM/DISC: 03/18/2025 09:22 AM
