In September 2023, ALPHA (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ALPHA WUXI”) (Address: Xinwu District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province; Representative Director: Masamichi Kanegae) commenced the production of Orthokeratology Lens. ALPHA WUXI is a fully-owned subsidiary of Alpha Corporation (Head Office: 1-8-16 Izumi, Higashi-ku, Nagoya city; Representative Director: Masamichi Kanegae), a subsidiary of Menicon that specializes in the manufacture and distribution of contact lenses.
Previously, "Alpha Ortho-K," introduced to the Chinese market in 2011, has been produced at the Ina Office in Kamiina-gun, Nagano, Japan, and then exported to China. To address the solid growing demand for Orthokeratology Lens in China, Alpha Corporation set up ALPHA WUXI in November 2020. This new manufacturing base aims to augment production capacities and reduce delivery times across the corporation.
After its inception, ALPHA WUXI secured marketing approval of medical devices from the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in November 2022 for its locally produced items.
Although initial plans indicated the beginning of production in 2024, we decided to expedite the process in response to the robust demand. Starting from October 2023, Orthokeratology Lens produced at ALPHA WUXI are set to be progressively shipped to the domestic customers.
With the commencement of production at ALPHA WUXI, a system that enables a stable and more abundant supply of products to Chinese medical institutions and patients will be established, and significantly shorter delivery times are anticipated.
Recent data indicate a surge in the myopic demographic globally. By 2050, nearly half of the world's population is predicted to develop myopia. Addressing the onset and progression of myopia in young individuals has become a pressing concern in China as well.1)
The Menicon Group remains committed to elevating the awareness of Orthokeratology Lens and enhancing its sales channels to popularizing its use in China, along with "Menicon Z Night" launched in May this year.
1) Holden BA et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
■ For more information on Alpha Corporation, visit: https://www.alphacl-global.com/