Novartis, a Swiss drugmaker with U.S. operations in Hanover, has acquired Amblyotech Inc., a Phoenix, Arizona-based clinical stage digital therapeutics company.
Once the deal has closed, Novartis intends to develop Amblyotech’s novel digital technology for the treatment of amblyopia (lazy eye). The approach utilizes active gaming and passive video technology with 3D glasses to train patients’ eyes to work together.
“We believe Novartis is best positioned to maximize the opportunity for our amblyopia treatment to reach and help patients who suffer from this condition. The Amblyotech technology has the potential to be a first-in-class product for patients with this debilitating condition,” Joseph Koziak, CEO of Amblyotech, said.
After the acquisition, Novartis intends to collaborate with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and Ubisoft Entertainment SA to continue product development.
“Amblyotech and Novartis share the same sense of urgency to dramatically improve the lives of patients suffering from amblyopia and other ocular conditions,” Dr. Robert Hess, director, McGill Vision Research Unit, McGill University and senior scientist, brain repair and integrative neuroscience program, RI-MUHC.
