Alimera Sciences (NSDQ:ALIM) said last month that it won approval in Canada for its intravitreal implant designed to treat diabetic macular edema.
The Iluvien device is a sustained release implant that delivers fluocinolone acetonide and is indicated to treat diabetic macular edema in people who have been previously given corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure.
Alimera inked an exclusive Canadian distribution deal for the device with Knight Therapeutics (TSE:GUD) in July of 2015. Knight is reportedly working with public and private payors to secure reimbursement in Canada for Iluvien.
“We are excited that Iluvien has received approval by Health Canada,” CEO Dan Myers said in prepared remarks. “Iluvien is the only treatment approved in Canada with continuous microdosing that can treat DME every day for up to three years with a single implant. We look forward to working with Knight to make Iluvien available to Canadian patients.”
“The approval of Iluvien is great news for Canadian DME patients, payors and healthcare providers. Iluvien represents a well-studied, proven effective treatment for DME patients who can benefit from continuous microdosing, without the burden of frequent injections,” Knight CEO Jonathan Ross Goodman added. “We are eager to work with all payors and stakeholders across Canada to make Iluvien available to Canadian patients.”
