EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
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33 EW NEWS & OPINION February 2018 Editors' note: The physicians have financial interests with Novartis. Contact information Holland: eholland@holprovision.com Hudson: amy.wolf@novartis.com EH: The future of current U.S. healthcare policy is now under review with various scenarios for re- peal and replacement of the Afford- able Care Act under Congressional consideration as well as legislative efforts to maintain current policy. How do these potential changes affect your future strategies? PH: While the Republican party was not successful in repealing the Affordable Care Act in 2017, the recently passed tax legislation removed the core requirement that all individuals must purchase health insurance. This modification to the Affordable Care Act will likely lead to significantly decreased enroll- ment in the individual health insur- ance marketplace in the U.S. With reduced enrollment of healthcare beneficiaries, premi- ums will continue to increase for coverage in the individual health insurance marketplace. As premiums further increase, only those benefi- ciaries needing immediate access to healthcare will continue to enroll. EH: A key issue in 2018 is whether the pharmaceutical industry will rebound from a recent low in new drug approvals. PH: While we saw a lower number of FDA approvals in 2016, the num- ber of approvals in 2017 has almost doubled that of 2016. 1,2 We believe in the potential value that broluci- zumab and other candidates in our pipeline can bring to patients. Look- ing ahead to the immediate future, we look forward to our anticipated filing of a new drug application for brolucizumab in nAMD in Q4. EH: You grew up in the U.K.; how is your golf game? PH: This year we've been very busy with brolucizumab and our broader ophthalmology portfolio, as well as advancing our unit's growth brands Entresto in chronic heart failure and Cosentyx in psoriasis and spondy- loarthritis. So my game could be better. EW References 1. Drug Innovation – Novel Drug Approvals for 2016. www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentAp- provalProcess/DrugInnovation/ucm483775.htm 2. Drug Innovation – Novel Drug Approvals for 2017. www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentAp- provalProcess/DrugInnovation/ucm537040. htm 973-989-1600 • 800-225-1195 • www.katena.com ® K3-2542 SMILE Spatula K5-5062 Mendez SMILE Forceps SMILE I n s t r u m e n t s M en de z S M I L E P r o ce d u r e This double-ended instrument was designed specifically for SMILE procedures. One end features a 3mm long spatula, set at a 45˚ angle, with a blunt conical tip. It is used to identify the wound site and to begin the dissection of the laser created intrastromal tunnel. The opposite end features a beveled disc-shaped distal tip with a flat posterior surface. This end is used to complete the dissection of the tunnel as well as both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lenticule. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction is quickly gaining popularity with surgeons around the world. The procedure provides unprecedented accuracy in vision correction without the creation of a flap, thereby reducing flap-related and dry eye complications. Once the lenticule has been completely dissected, the tips of this forceps are used to reach, grasp and remove the tissue. According to Dr. Mendez, "Its atraumatic profile, round front and sides allows for easy access even in 2mm incisions. The large grasping surfaces firmly hold the lenticule without the risk of tearing it. The forceps open side-to-side as to prevent stretching and stress to the cap". Designed by Antonio Mendez, M.D. of Tijuana, Mexico KI-Adv-042817-Rev. 0