Ellex launches new laser

Adelaide company Ellex Medical Lasers (ASX: ELX) yesterday announced it had a signed a contract with Californian manufacturer Lumenis to produce a compact new photocoagulator laser for retinal surgery, the Laserex LP3532.

The new laser, which the company describes as "highly portable", produces pulses of intense green light to cauterise tiny, leaking blood vessels in the retina damaged by disorders such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.

The stand-alone device uses optical fibres to deliver multiple beams simultaneously to several operating theatres or clinics at the one site.

The company describes the new Laserex laser as "significantly smaller and lighter than any of its competitors", including Ellex's own Integre photocoagulator laser, which it will complement.

Lumenis is building the new lasers to Laserex's own specification -- the two companies have a strategic alliance under which Ellex supplies its own Aurora and Selector Duet opthalmology lasers to Lumenis.

Under the agreement, Ellex will have exclusive distribution rights for the new laser in the US -- the world's biggest market for opthalmology lasers -- but it will be sold elsewhere on a non-exclusive basis.

Ellex MD Peter Rowland said the Laserex LP3532 would greatly increase his company's penetration of the retinal surgery field.