SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 9, 2000--VISX,
INCORPORATED (Nasdaq:VISX.O) today announced that the Ministry of Health
and Welfare (MHW) in Japan approved the VISX STAR S2(TM) Smoothscan
Excimer Laser System, effective Jan. 28, 2000, for the treatment of
myopia, or nearsightedness, with astigmatism.
It is estimated that more than half the Japanese population are
myopic.
Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser
vision correction and the VISX excimer laser system began in Japan in
early 1993. VISX has more regulatory approvals than any other laser
vision correction manufacturer in the world and is the first and only
U.S. company to receive such an approval in Japan.
Mark Logan, chairman and chief executive officer of VISX, said,
"We are delighted with this news. Our largest installed base outside
of the U.S. is in the Far East. Approval in Japan expands our reach
and provides access to the second largest market for vision correction
in the world. With our high quality product and excellent reputation
for service, we intend to play a key role in the development of laser
vision correction in Japan."
VISX Japan K.K., the company's Japanese subsidiary, was
established in late 1997. Since that time, the company has put
training, service and marketing programs in place to deliver the same
high standard of support that is available to successful U.S.
physicians.
VISX believes it is well positioned to help its Japanese
physician customers achieve success and build this new and exciting
laser vision correction industry.
VISX is the worldwide leader in the development of refractive
laser technology. VISX systems are commercially available in the
United States and markets worldwide. |
