Glaukos Receives Permanent J-code for Epioxa(TM)
MWN-AI** Summary
Glaukos Corporation (NYSE: GKOS) has announced a significant development for its innovative treatment Epioxa™ HD/Epioxa™, following the assignment of a unique, permanent J-code (J2789) by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This new J-code, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, is expected to enhance the accessibility and streamlined reimbursement processes for Epioxa, a groundbreaking therapy for keratoconus, a serious, often undiagnosed eye disorder.
Thomas Burns, Glaukos CEO, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating it supports the company's market access initiatives aimed at expanding patient coverage. The introduction of the J-code will simplify billing processes for healthcare providers while facilitating more consistent reimbursement from government and commercial payers. Epioxa offers a less invasive treatment alternative to traditional corneal cross-linking procedures, significantly improving patient experience by eliminating the need for corneal epithelium removal.
Epioxa is an oxygen-enriched, topical therapeutic solution designed for use with the O2n™ System and Boost Goggles®, offering effective treatment for keratoconus in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 and older. With a streamlined administration process, low pain levels, and enhanced recovery experiences, Epioxa hopes to provide value not only to patients but also to healthcare providers and the healthcare system in general.
Glaukos has previously established itself in the ophthalmic sector with its innovative approaches to glaucoma treatment and is now looking to expand its portfolio with this promising keratoconus therapy. As the company prepares for the upcoming commercial launch of Epioxa, the assignment of the J-code signifies a potential boost in the accessibility and awareness of this transformative therapy for patients suffering from keratoconus.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Glaukos Corporation (NYSE: GKOS) has received a significant development in its strategy to enhance market access for its innovative Epioxa™ treatment for keratoconus. The assignment of a permanent J-code, J2789, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), effective July 1, 2026, is a crucial milestone that will streamline the reimbursement process for this transformative, non-invasive treatment.
The allocation of a J-code typically indicates increased recognition and acceptance of a medical product by payers, thus removing some of the administrative friction associated with billing. This development is expected to bolster Glaukos's commercial launch strategy for Epioxa, potentially increasing patient access to a therapy that addresses a condition often understudied and underdiagnosed.
Epioxa's unique formulation, which promotes corneal collagen cross-linking without the need to remove the corneal epithelium, presents a compelling alternative to traditional treatments, likely appealing to both patients and healthcare providers aiming for improved outcomes with reduced recovery times. The innovative nature of the therapy places Glaukos in a favorable position within the growing ophthalmic market, especially as demand for novel treatments rises.
As investors evaluate Glaukos’s stock, it is essential to consider how the J-code will impact earnings projections. Streamlined payment processes can enhance revenue stability, provided that Glaukos effectively communicates the benefits of Epioxa to potential prescribers. The company's robust pipeline and its focus on developing innovative dropless therapies further adds to its growth profile.
However, investors should remain mindful of potential regulatory challenges and market dynamics that could affect uptake rates. Advancing through 2024 and beyond, Glaukos represents a compelling opportunity, but careful attention to market conditions and operational execution will be key to fully capitalizing on this milestone.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
New J-code for Epioxa ™ , J2789, set to become effective July 1, 2026
Glaukos Corporation (NYSE: GKOS), an ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company focused on novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases, announced today the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has assigned a unique, permanent Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) J-code for Epioxa™ HD / Epioxa™ (“Epioxa”) for the treatment of keratoconus, a rare, sight-threatening disease that is currently far too often undiagnosed and untreated.
The new J-code for Epioxa, J2789, is set to become effective July 1, 2026. It is expected to streamline the reporting and payment of Epioxa by U.S. payers over time, and has been published here on the CMS website.
“The assignment of a product-specific J-code for Epioxa represents an important milestone, supporting our market access initiatives to increase access and expand coverage for patients suffering from keratoconus,” said Thomas Burns, Glaukos chairman and chief executive officer. “Once effective, this new J-code is expected to enable more streamlined and consistent coverage and payment for Epioxa over time, strengthening the foundation for our commercial launch and enabling broader patient access.”
J-codes are reported by U.S. healthcare providers and used by U.S. government and commercial payers to streamline the billing and reimbursement process for pharmaceuticals, such as Epioxa , administered by a healthcare professional.
Epioxa represents a transformative innovation in keratoconus care, offering an incision-free alternative to traditional corneal cross-linking procedures as it does not require the removal of the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the front of the eye. This novel, oxygen-enriched topical therapeutic, bioactivated by UV light, is designed to eliminate the pain associated with removal of the epithelium, streamline the procedure, and minimize recovery, all while delivering clinically meaningful outcomes and exceptional value to patients, providers, and the healthcare system.
About Glaukos
Glaukos ( www.glaukos.com ) is an ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases. Glaukos first developed Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) as an alternative to the traditional glaucoma treatment paradigm, launching its first MIGS device commercially in 2012. In 2024, Glaukos commenced commercial launch activities for iDose ® TR , a first-of-its-kind, long-duration, intracameral procedural pharmaceutical designed to deliver 24/7 glaucoma drug therapy inside the eye for extended periods of time. Glaukos also markets the only FDA-approved corneal cross-linking therapy utilizing a proprietary bio-activated pharmaceutical for the treatment of keratoconus, a rare corneal disorder. Glaukos continues to successfully develop and advance a robust pipeline of novel, dropless platform technologies designed to meaningfully advance the standard of care and improve outcomes for patients suffering from chronic eye diseases.
About Epioxa HD / Epioxa
Indication: EPIOXA™ HD (riboflavin 5’-phosphate ophthalmic solution) 0.239% and EPIOXA™ (riboflavin 5’-phosphate ophthalmic solution) 0.177% are photoenhancers indicated for use in epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older, in conjunction with the O 2 n™ System and the Boost Goggles ® .
Dosage and Administration: EPIOXA HD and EPIOXA are for topical ophthalmic use. NOT for injection or intraocular use. EPIOXA HD and EPIOXA are supplied in single-dose syringes. Discard opened syringes after use. EPIOXA HD and EPIOXA are for use with the O 2 n System and Boost Goggles only. Refer to the O 2 n System Operator’s Manual and Boost Goggles User Guide for device instructions.
Contraindications: EPIOXA HD and EPIOXA are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to benzalkonium chloride or any ingredients in EPIOXA HD and EPIOXA. Epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking is contraindicated in aphakic and pseudophakic patients without a UV-blocking intraocular lens.
Warnings and Precautions: Corneal collagen cross-linking should be used with caution in patients with a history of herpetic keratitis due to the potential for reactivation of herpes keratitis.
Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reaction was conjunctival hyperaemia (31%). Other adverse reactions, occurring in 5% to 25% of eyes included: corneal opacity (haze), photophobia, punctate keratitis, eye pain, eye irritation, increased lacrimation, corneal epithelium defect, eyelid oedema, corneal striae, visual acuity reduced, dry eye, and anterior chamber flare.
For more information, visit www.glaukos.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for forward-looking statements contained herein, we caution you that they are based on current expectations about future events affecting us and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this press release. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the timing and extent to which we obtain regulatory approval for investigational products, our ability to successfully commercialize such products, the ability to obtain and maintain adequate financial coverage and reimbursement for our products, the continued efficacy and safety profile of our products, and the extent to which this new J-code will enable more streamlined and consistent coverage and payment for Epioxa over time. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors related to Glaukos, and our business are described in detail under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2026. Our filings with the SEC are available in the Investor Section of our website at www.glaukos.com or at www.sec.gov . In addition, information about the risks and benefits of our products is available on our website at www.glaukos.com . All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415380898/en/
Media Contact:
Michele Gray
(917) 449-9250
michele@mgraycommunications.com
Investor Contact:
Chris Lewis
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs
clewis@glaukos.com
FAQ**
How will the introduction of the new J-code J2789 for Epioxa benefit Glaukos Corporation (GKOS) in terms of market access and reimbursement support for patients with keratoconus?
What potential financial impact do Glaukos Corporation (GKOS) executives anticipate from Epioxa's commercial launch with the new J-code, considering the current competitive landscape?
Given the transformative nature of Epioxa for keratoconus treatment, how might Glaukos Corporation (GKOS) leverage this new J-code to educate healthcare providers and increase diagnosis rates for this condition?
What measures is Glaukos Corporation (GKOS) taking to address the risks associated with the commercial launch of Epioxa, particularly in relation to obtaining consistent reimbursement under the new J-code?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Glaukos Corporation (NYSE: GKOS).
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