News

Menicon Co., Ltd. announced on May 24 the launch of the Menicon Bloom Myopia Control Management System, a holistic approach for myopia control management. The launch features the initial introduction of Menicon Bloom Night, an orthokeratology contact lens therapy for myopia control management.

Myopia, also known as near- or short-sightedness, is the most common refractive error and the major cause of vision impairment worldwide. It affects approximately 30% of the world’s population and its prevalence has been forecast to affect about 50% of the world’s population by 2050. The prevalence of myopia in young adolescents has been increasing in recent decades to about 30% in industrialized societies of the West and epidemic levels of over 90% in some parts of Far East Asia. Globally, it is recognized as a significant public health concern associated with increased ocular-related morbidity and considerable healthcare costs.

Menicon Bloom Night therapy involves the overnight wear of a specially designed reverse geometry orthokeratology contact lens, manufactured in hyper oxygen-permeable Menicon Z rigid material that ensures optimal corneal oxygenation for comfortable and safe contact lens wear. The treatment temporarily changes the shape of the cornea, which results in reduction of refractive error, thus eliminating the need to wear contact lenses throughout the waking hours after lenses are removed. The new corneal shape provides a particular optical path for incoming light that counters the ocular growth response associated with myopia development. Through this mechanism, Menicon Bloom Night is indicated for the correction of refractive myopia and for control of myopia when prescribed and managed by a qualified eye care professional.

Menicon Bloom Night contact lenses have been reviewed and validated via numerous comprehensive, peer-reviewed studies related to myopia control management. Menicon Bloom Night therapy has proven to be well-accepted by parents and to improve children’s self-esteem in terms of physical appearance, participation in activities, academic performance and peer perception. With the accumulation of long-term and comprehensive scientific evidence over the years, Menicon Bloom Night has met the highest standards of safety, efficacy and quality required to grant the treatment CE approval for myopia control management in Europe. 

The fitting of Menicon Bloom Night is optimized by the use of Easyfit software, a sophisticated, user-friendly tool which accurately guides the eye care professional through the fitting process. Additionally, a specially designed mobile phone application, Menicon’s Virtual Dr., has been developed to enhance the monitoring and communication process between eye care professionals and patients. Menicon Bloom Night is only available for certified eye care professionals. With the launch of this groundbreaking myopia care therapy, Menicon has become one of the few companies to have devices officially approved for myopia control management in Europe and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the field of myopia control. 

Menicon Bloom Night will be launched initially in The Netherlands, followed soon thereafter with launches in other European markets. Further information about the product and availability will be forthcoming soon. 

Dr. Hidenari Tanaka, CEO, Menicon Co., Ltd, commented: “We are delighted with the major breakthrough achieved with the approval and launch of our Menicon Bloom Myopia Control Management System. We are confident that our continuing commitment to myopia control management will position Menicon as a key contributor in this field and strengthen our position as a global vision care company. It is our belief that the growing prevalence of worldwide myopia progression requires a comprehensive and educated response and we have identified this as a major initiative within our development programs.
As a pioneer of contact lenses, we will develop our myopia control business based on our accumulated technology, products and services and contribute to society by supporting eye care professionals in managing the fast growing incidence of myopia” 

About Menicon:

Menicon Co., Ltd. (7780: Tokyo), founded by Mr. Kyoichi Tanaka in 1951, is Japan’s first and largest contact lens manufacturer, and now is represented in over 30 countries. Menicon is a manufacturer dedicated to all areas of soft and gas-permeable contact lens-related businesses including manufacture, sales, export and import of contact lenses and other medical goods; manufacture and sales of medical instruments; sales of medical supplies; and research and development of intraocular lenses. For more information, visit www.menicon.com.

* “Bloom”, “Bloom Night”, “Menicon Z” and “Easyfit” are trademarks of Menicon Co., Ltd.
 

Menicon Co., Ltd. today announced the official launch of silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens “Miru 1day UpSide,” a version of “1DAY Menicon PremiO” sold overseas.

“Miru 1day UpSide” is a silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens marketed in Japan under the name of “1DAY Menicon PremiO.” 1DAY Menicon PremiO is characterized by “SMART TOUCH” technology, in addition to our most advanced material, and has been widely used in Japan since its launch in December 2016.
UpSide means “looking up.” This naming is intended to draw intuitive appeal to one of the characteristics and the best feature of the product, the SMART TOUCH package that “allows users to wear the lenses without touching the inner surface of the lens because the outer surface of the lens is placed upward (it is placed downward in the package of other products) when users open the package.” Our questionnaire survey has revealed that this SMART TOUCH, both the feature and the name, has been favorably accepted. Our goal is to have the product accepted in the global market for its feature that is expressed in the brand name.
Further, the material used for “Miru 1day UpSide” is silicone hydrogel that is highly oxygen-permeable and is as soft as other existing hydrogel materials.

“Miru 1day UpSide” will be launched first in Europe; then, the sales market will be expanded successively. We will strive to increase the share for daily disposable lenses in the European market worth JPY 150 billion*.
    *estimated by Euromonitor

Six particular features of “Miru 1day UpSide (1DAY Menicon PremiO)”
 

(1) Package
Users do not need to check the sides of lenses. The package allows users to pick up the lenses without touching the inner surface of the lens (SMART TOUCH), which enables easy wearing.

(2) Oxygen permeability
“Miru 1day UpSide” has oxygen permeability that ensures the safety of the pupil when the product is used as a daily disposable lens.
    Oxygen permeability: 91×10−9(cm/sec)・(mLO2/(mL×mmHg)) (in case of -3.00 D)

(3) Softness
Oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel lenses are generally hard and not comfortable to wear. However, “Miru 1day UpSide” is sufficiently oxygen permeable and also has achieved softness comparable to that of existing lenses. This well-balanced material offers users comfort when wearing the lens.

(4) Surface
Featuring new plasma technology, “Miru 1day UpSide” prevents adhesion of dirt on the surface, which prevents reduction in the performance of the lenses and also ensures lower friction on the surface of the lenses. This lower friction contributes to a natural feeling when users wear the lenses.

(5) Design of the Lens
Generally, contact lenses for excessive myopia tend to be thicker, particularly in the peripheral part, which often compromises the feeling of comfortable wearing. However, our product is designed to be evenly thin, even in the peripheral part, regardless of the optical power of the lens. As such, comfort during the use is maintained.

(6) UV protection
“Miru 1day UpSide” is made of materials that cut UV light and protects the pupil from UV light.
UVA protection rate: 84%
UVB protection rate: 96% (-3.00 D)

By bringing this daily disposable contact lens that has realized these highly particular features to broader overseas markets, we hope to offer contact lenses that contribute to a better lifestyle for more users.

Current Kakamigahara Factory (single-story)

After expansion, the factory will have second and third floors.

At Menicon Co., Ltd., construction has been decided to initiate on December 1, 2018, to add the second and third floors to the current single-story Kakamigahara Factory (Kakamigahara-shi, Gifu), where our daily disposable contact lenses are manufactured, to increase our production volume.

In operation since March 2015 to produce “1DAY Menicon PremiO,” Menicon’s daily disposable contact lenses, the Kakamigahara Factory was originally designed to add floors vertically, when required to “increase production volume in the future” and/or “improve efficiency of traffic lines of materials and people in the factory.” The construction for expanding the floors will start in December. We can safely continue production of contact lenses on the first floor during construction because of the double steel beam structure of this building.

This construction is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2020. A total of 15 lines will be installed, an increase from the current three lines. Our production lines will be sequentially added, targeting an annual production capacity of over 500 million lenses. By increasing the production volume and product portfolio, we aim for greater sales in the daily disposable contact lens market in Japan and the rest of the world, which is expected to grow.
 

Supplementary Documentation
 

<Expansion of the Factory Floors>
In this construction, the building will be expanded not horizontally but vertically, by adding the second and third floors. The first floor, where we currently operate, was originally designed to accommodate added floors; therefore, the first floor roof will not be removed, and no anchor bolts will be installed on the roof during construction. Thus, we can continue production on the first floor without being affected by waterproofing works, vibration, or noise. By adding the floors, we can construct the warehouse to store intermediate and final products in the second and third floors. By automating the storage and retrieval processes, the traffic lines of materials and people in the factory will be more efficient.

<Funding>
By issuing convertible bonds in June 2018, we raised a fund of JPY 8 billion. A part of this fund will be spent on the construction of the additional floors of the factory, because an increase in the production volume of daily disposable contact lenses, which are expected to grow in the contact lens market in Japan and abroad, is believed to lead to further growth of our group.

<Production and Sales Volume>
Currently, our production capacity is 90 million lenses per year (with three lines). After the introduction of all of the lines (15 lines), we seek to produce over 500 million lenses, corresponding to approximate sales of JPY 25 billion (based on the assumption that we will produce contact lenses similar to our current daily disposable products).
 

We are pleased to announce the full-scale launch of the improved version of “Miru 1month Menicon”, our monthly replacement silicone hydrogel lens series, into the US market. Until now, “Miru 1month Menicon” has been marketed mainly in Europe, where it has been well received.

Since entering the European market with this product in 2007, we have steadily increased the number of export destinations and the lens is now used in more than 30 countries. We have also increased the number of product variants, starting with products for myopia/hyperopia and then adding those for astigmatism followed by bifocals. We obtained FDA approval in February 2018 for this lens series and are planning full-scale launch of the products in the US this fall or later.

The redesigned products for the US market, namely “Miru 1month Menicon” for myopia/hyperopia, “Miru 1month Menicon Toric” for astigmatism (the product is called “Miru 1month Menicon Astigmatism” in Europe) and bifocal “Miru 1month Menicon Multifocal” are made from materials similar to those used in the manufacture of “2week Menicon PremiO”, which has the second largest share of the Japanese market. Focusing on the eye health of users, we supply monthly replacement lens products which are highly safe and comfortable to wear.

    * The photograph above shows the product packages for the US market. Regarding the “Miru 1month Menicon” series, marketed mainly in Europe, there will be no changes to the packaging.

Features of “Miru 1month Menicon” Series:

(1) High Oxygen Permeability
In this series, high oxygen permeability (oxygen transmission coefficient: Dk/t＝161*) has been achieved to safeguard the eye pupil while the lenses are being worn.
  *Dk/t (a unit measured as): × 10-9 (cm/sec)･(mLO2/(mL ×mmHg) (in case of Pwr-3.00D)

Particularly for products designed to correct astigmatism and for bifocals, where lens thickness tends to increase, we are dedicated to ensuring wearer comfort and safety by adopting the most advanced and safety-oriented lens 

(2) Excellent Surface Properties
In the “Miru 1month Menicon” series, we adopted the same surface treatment technology used in the manufacture of the “Miru 1month Menicon” series already marketed outside the US, having achieved high wettability and excellent antifouling properties against bacteria or protein/oil-based dirt, while maintaining satisfactory oxygen permeability.

With the launch in the US of “Miru 1month Menicon”, “Miru 1month Menicon Toric” and “Miru 1month Menicon Multifocal”, which feature a well-balanced lens design and materials that have already demonstrated their merits in the marketplace, we are convinced that we can provide products that are comfortable to wear, safe and hygienic to support eye health in the US market as well as in other markets. We are also aiming at increasing our share of the replacement lens (periodic exchange lenses) market in the US, which is reported to be worth 350 billion yen.**
  **Source: research by Euromonitor International
 

Menicon Co., Ltd.’s French affiliate, Menicon SAS (hereinafter “M-SAS”), recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of its establishment. In line with its corporate principle “Contributing to society by providing superior visual correction,” since launching its business in Europe, Menicon has been dedicated to pursuing the company’s mission of disseminating accurate knowledge rather than just developing the market. With great appreciation for your support, we are pleased to announce M-SAS’s 40th anniversary and completion of its new premises in the business park near Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Menicon Co., Ltd. is pushing ahead with market expansion in not only Europe and the U.S. but also Asia, as a mainstay of its key strategy, which is to grow markets while pursuing the company’s mission of disseminating accurate knowledge and techniques.

We are pleased to announce that an opening ceremony was held on April 10, 2018 to mark establishment of the Menicon Contact Lens Training Center at Yangon Eye Hospital. The center, a joint venture between the hospital and Menicon, will serve as a flagship facility for dissemination activities in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (hereinafter "Myanmar").

Objectives of establishment of the Training Center

We are currently pursuing our market expansion strategy in Asia, including China, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong and we view Myanmar as one of the emerging important markets in the region, given the nation’s remarkable economic growth since democratization.

Like other Asian countries, Myanmar is facing the challenge of an increasing number of myopia sufferers. Unfortunately, the correct prescribing techniques for both orthokeratology lenses, which are internationally reported as being a means of preventing myopia progression, and general rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are not currently taught in Myanmar. Therefore, we will begin by applying through an agent to the Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar for marketing approval for various kinds of RGP lens, with the aim of obtaining the first marketing approval for formal RGP lenses for vision correction in that country. In addition to obtaining approval, we regard dissemination and establishment of the correct prescribing technique for RGP lenses as the backbone of our activities to achieve our aim of providing better visual acuity and disseminating safe lenses in Southeast Asia.

Menicon, the first developer of corneal contact lenses in Japan and a trailblazing leader in the industry for a number of years, is cooperating with the largest ophthalmologic facility in Myanmar, Yangon Eye Hospital, to design and develop a new educational curriculum for prescribing contact lenses and to boost prescribing know-how and skill levels among physicians with the aim of improving healthcare in Myanmar.

Overview of Training Center

The Training Center has been granted official approval for its establishment by Myanmar’s Minister of Public Health (Ministry of Health and Sports). The training provided by the center will be included in the curriculum for the medical specialist program.

Training Center Location: 3rd floor, Yangon Eye Hospital, Myanmar

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at an entrance to the Training Center following the opening ceremony
Second from left, Dr. Tin Win, Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology; center, Dr. Thet Thet Sein, Medical Superintendent; second from right, Mr. Takeshita Menicon Senior General manager

Training Center tour and curriculum briefing
On that day, more than 50 physicians came in a constant stream after working hours to participate in the opening ceremony. A tour and curriculum briefing were subsequently conducted, with all the visiting physicians taking part.

We are pleased to inform you that CEO Hidenari Tanaka of Menicon Co., Ltd. has been selected to receive the Medal with Blue Ribbon in spring 2018, in recognition of his over 13 years of dedicated service toward achieving sound development of the contact lens industry and promotion of the industry in general in his capacity as the Chairman of the Japan Contact Lens Association since April 2004, thereby contributing to advancement of the welfare of the Japanese people. The award ceremony is scheduled for May 15, 2018. The Medal with Blue Ribbon is one of the six Medals of Honor conferred biannually in the spring and fall by the Emperor of Japan to individuals who have made prominent efforts to promote public welfare in the interests of the community.

We sincerely thank you for using our products.

We have discovered an issue with the manufacturing process of contact lens care products manufactured by our subsidiary Menicon Nect Co., Ltd. We have decided to voluntarily recall the affected lots of these products.

Meni-one Co., Ltd. (hereafter “Meni-one”) is a veterinary ophthalmology specialist that sells medical devices and supplements. In September 2017, it received permission from Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) to import three products^*1 in the Meni-One Eye Series of canine and feline supplements, and began sales to Malaysian veterinary clinics.

The products in the Meni-One Eye Series are designed to maintain animal eye health and vision. The products in the series include Meni-One Eye II, compounded with the antioxidants, vitamin E and astaxanthin, Meni-One Eyecare II, which includes grape seed extract, a substance reported to slow down the progression of cataracts, and Meni-One Eye R/C, an allergy-conscious preparation, which does not include eggs, milk, or similar substances. All products are devised to enhance palatability.

The products have already shown sales results overseas in China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Sales have been launched through the Malaysian agent Anihealth^*2 with the goal of market expansion in the ASEAN countries, where the pet market is showing remarkable growth. In future, the company intends to begin sales in Thailand and Singapore.

At Meni-one, we work to create an environment where animals and humans can live in closer harmony, hoping that pets—who are precious members of your family—will enjoy constant and long-lasting good health.

Meni-one homepage: http://www.meni-one.com/english/

^*1Three products in the Meni-One Eye Series: Meni-One Eye II, Meni-One Eyecare II, and Meni-One Eye R/C
http://www.meni-one.com/owner_products/products.html#dog-p

^*2Anihealth: Founded in 2012, this veterinarian-managed company sells veterinary products. The company is leveraging its specialized veterinary knowledge and networks to develop its business, with a focus on Malaysia.

NAGOYA, Japan – February 6, 2017 – Mr. Paul Rose, Dip Opt, B Sc., FCCLSNZ, inventor of the Rose K brand of contact lenses for irregular cornea, is to become a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), it was announced in early January. Rose’s appointment is in recognition of his contributions to the fields of ophthalmology and optometry. The award is one of the highest honors bestowed on individuals in New Zealand distinguished for their services and contributions.