Staar Cataract Device Approved in EU

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Staar Surgical Co.’s share price more than doubled Tuesday on news that the medical device company received European Union approval for its system designed to more easily implant lenses in the eyes of cataracts patients.

The Monrovia company announced it had received “CE Mark” approval for the KS-X Preloaded Hydrophobic Acrylic Injector, which enables minimally invasive cataract surgeries. The device allows surgeons to insert a foldable lens into the eye through a tiny incision after removal of the diseased lens.

The system is designed to allow a smoother delivery of the lens and works with most cataract extraction surgeries, the company said. The KS-X has been on the market in Japan for two years, but is not yet approved for use in the United States.

First shipments of the product to European and Australian markets are expected to begin in later this month.

“Receipt of the CE Mark is an important accomplishment,” said David Bailey, president of International Operations, in a statement.

Staar shares were up 57 cents, or 53 percent, to $1.65 in midday trading on the Nasdaq.

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