Johnson & Johnson announced last week that it sees a 'significant' opportunity to move into contact lens solutions in the wake of the Fusarium keratitis outbreak linked to Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc.
Speaking at a J&J medical devices and diagnostic meeting in New Jersey last week, Don Casey, group chairman of J&J's Vistakon eye products unit, said the outbreak presented an opportunity to 'bring real innovation to the category'.
'We believe there is a significant opportunity,' he told analysts. 'We're looking at the market. There are several entry strategies. Obviously we're looking at acquisitions and licensing that would allow us to participate in that market meaningfully,' he said, adding that it would also consider internally developed products.
Rob Hollin, managing director for J&J Vision Care Northern Region, told Optician: 'As a leader in vision care, we are always on the lookout for innovative products and services that provide meaningful benefits for eye care professionals and their patients. However, we cannot comment on our plans at this time.'