Evolution
Over the years, Ellex has evolved from a small scientific laser company to a global leader in ophthalmic laser and ultrasound technology. Key events in the company’s history include:
1985
The evolution of Ellex begins when Quentron Electronics, an Australian-based scientific laser company, is awarded an Australian government grant to develop its laser technology for use in ophthalmology.
1988
Ellex launches is first ophthalmic laser product, the Laserex LQ1106 YAG photodisruptor, for the treatment of secondary cataract.
1990
As a result of a management buyout, Ellex spins off the laser technology from Quentron and begins operating as an independent company.
1992
Ellex enters into an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Alcon to develop and supply the Alcon 3000LE laser system based on the Laserex photodisruptor platform. To date, more than 2,000 of these 3000LE systems have been installed worldwide, and the Alcon partnership remains an important part of the Ellex business model.
1995
Ellex establishes a subsidiary in Minneapolis to sell and service products in the United States.
1996
Ellex divests itself of all non-ophthalmic businesses and begins operating as the industry’s only dedicated ophthalmic laser technology company, a distinction that continues today.
Ellex introduces the original Super Q® photodisruptor, which has since become the industry’s most popular photodisruptor.
1999
Ellex enters into an OEM agreement with Coherent (now Lumenis) to develop and supply the Aura photodisruptor based on the Laserex photodisruptor platform. More than 900 of these systems were installed worldwide before the agreement ended in 2004.
2000
Ellex enters the photocoagulator market with the launch of the Integre®, a solid-state, green photocoagulator. The Integre is the first and only green laser photocoagulator to integrate the laser cavity into the slit lamp delivery system.
2001
Ellex IPO on the Australian Stock Exchange.
Ellex enters a second OEM agreement with Coherent to develop and supply the Selecta Duet™ SLT laser system for glaucoma. More than 500 of these systems were delivered to market under this agreement, which ended in March 2006.
2003
Ellex establishes a subsidiary in Japan with offices in Tokyo and Osaka to provide sales and service.
2004
Ellex embarks on an aggressive strategy to fast-track its product development pipeline, expanding its product line to include a full range of lasers to treat cataract, retina and glaucoma patients – and broadening the total available market.
2005
Ellex transitions its business from OEM supply to direct sales and marketing of its own branded products worldwide under the Ellex name. Today, more than 95 percent of Ellex sales are direct, establishing a platform for future growth.
Ellex establishes an Advanced Research and Development business function in order to develop future growth opportunities.
Ellex enters the selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for glaucoma market with the launch of the Tango™ SLT/YAG combination laser. Today, more than 1,000 Ellex SLT laser systems are installed worldwide.
2006
Ellex establishes a direct sales subsidiary in Australia to deliver cutting-edge ophthalmic technology to ophthalmologists in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Ellex establishes a sales and service support subsidiary in Clermont-Ferrand, France, to strengthen support for the Company’s growing European distribution network.
Ellex enters the multi-color photocoagulator market with the launch of the Integre Duo™, the world’s first solid-state laser photocoagulator to deliver clinically proven red and green wavelengths.
Ellex expands its product portfolio to include diagnostic ultrasound through the acquisition of California-based Innovative Imaging, Inc.
2008
Ellex launches the clinical trial program for Ellex Retinal Regeneration Therapy (Ellex 2RT™) – a breakthrough laser therapy for the treatment of retinal disease.
Ellex establishes a direct sales subsidiary in Mainhausen to sell and service products in Germany, which is home to the largest number of ophthalmologists per capita in the world.
2010
Ellex announces positive clinical trial results for Ellex 2RT™ in the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy – two of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world.
Ellex launches the Integre Yellow™, the first and only high-power, integrated yellow photocoagulator.
Ellex launches the New Generation Eye Cubed™ ultrasound system, taking high-resolution ultrasound to the next level.
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