Glaukos Receives Permanent J-code for Epioxa™
Glaukos Corporation, 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 representsan 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 Epioxaover 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 Glaucus
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 O2n™ 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 O2n System and Boost Goggles only. Refer to the O2n 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.
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