Rapid growth in eye health for 45 years – Thousands of spectacle lenses and millions of eye care products are manufactured in Lieto every year.
Finnsusp Oy, a family-owned company based in Lieto, continues to grow significantly, and has doubled its turnover in four years and expanded to the US market and e-commerce. The vision of the company, which turned 45 in August 2023, is to bring the joy of seeing and well-being to everyday life.
Finnsusp Oy, which manufactures millions of bottles of contact lens care solutions and eye care products around the world, has expanded to the US market with its dry eye products. Cooperation with a local distributor has got off to a good start and the world’s largest dry eye product market has gained a good foothold. In spring 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an official inspection at the Finnsusp factory in Lieto, Finland, which enables the sale of over-the-counter medicinal products on the US market. “We are proud and grateful for the results of the first GMP inspection in our history and the good development suggestions we received during the inspection. Our personnel have done a huge amount of development work to exceed the requirements of strictly regulated sterile production,” says Riikka Järvinen, CEO of Finnsusp Oy.
“The global demand for dry eye products continues to grow, and we have succeeded in developing a product line that treats dry eye symptoms at all levels, including unique emulsion products manufactured with microemulsion technology, which received a patent in summer 2023,” says Markus Tenovuo, Sales Director at Finnsusp Oy. “We have signed several partnership agreements with international pharmaceutical companies on the distribution of our dry eye products, and we are currently investing in increasing our production capacity and personnel,” Tenovuo continues.
To celebrate the company’s 45th anniversary, the renewing company has also launched an online store for spectacle lenses in Finland. “Competition in the optical industry in Finland is very fierce, and it is difficult for a small Finnish family business to comprehensively access the lens selections of large chains,” says Tomi Korhonen, Sales Director of Optics at Finnsusp Oy. “We want to enable consumers to purchase spectacle lenses manufactured in Finland through retailers and online stores.” The spectacle lenses are sold in dozens of optician stores throughout the country, and spectacle lenses developed for golfers by the company can also be found in Instrumentarium’s selection.
Products developed and manufactured by Finnsusp Oy (Piiloset) are sold in more than 30 countries around the world. The company’s turnover is already almost 10 million euros. Net sales have doubled profitably over the past four years.
IMAGES: GROUP PICTURES AND ANNIVERSARY LOGO (Images by Piiloset)
Further information and interviews:
Riikka Järvinen, CEO, p. 050 558 5375, riikka.jarvinen@piiloset.fi
Markus Tenovuo, Sales Director, p. 044 739 1560, markus.tenovuo@piiloset.fi
Tomi Korhonen, Sales Director, Optical division, p. 044 705 3003, tomi.korhonen@piiloset.fi
The family-owned company Finnsusp Oy (Piiloset) is a 45-year-old, rapidly growing and internationalizing Finnish developer and manufacturer of unique contact lens care solutions, dry eye products and individual spectacle lenses. The products sold under our Piiloset®, PuroSilmille® and OLOlinssit® brands are manufactured in our own factories in Lieto. In addition to Finland, our products are sold in more than 30 countries in Europe, South and North America, the Middle East and Africa. Exports account for more than 90% of dry eye products and contact lens care solutions.
We currently have more than 50 Medical Device professionals and are constantly looking for additional reinforcements to join our shared growth story. Responsibility, domesticity and the well-being of our personnel are important values for us, which are also reflected in our daily operations. Our operations are certified according to ISO13485 and GMP. You can find more information about us on our website www.piiloset.fi and from our brand pages www.purosilmille.fi, www.ololinssit.fi
The Only Manufacturer of Ophthalmic Lenses in Finland Launches Anti-Fog Lenses
– One of a Kind Coating Process in the Nordic Countries
Eyeglasses fog easily especially in winter when going from cold outdoors to warm indoors. Furthermore, wearing face masks has made fogging a topical year-around challenge.
Finnsusp, the only manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses in Finland introduces new lens coating technology that solves the common problem of fogging lenses.
“We can now offer a solution to fogging lenses with the help of anti-fog coating. The new technology is a lot more effective and comfortable option for the users than using anti-fog sprays that tend to create a film on the lens”, Sales and Development Director of Optics, Tomi Korhonen says.
OLOlinssit® by Piiloset lenses are manufactured in Finland.
“OLOlinssit® by Piiloset product range offers options in every price group. Our goal is to offer high-quality, individualised lenses for every intended use and situation in life. Anti Fog lenses are suited extremely well for outdoor sports or work, where wearing fog-free lenses increases safety too.” Korhonen continues.
The easy-to-use, long-term lens coating does not degrade the optical quality or other features of the lens. The coating breaks down large water molecules on the surface of the lens so that no distracting visible condensation is produced. This invisible liquid film then evaporates from the surface of the lens without interfering with the user’s vision. People who constantly move from outside to inside like forklift and delivery drivers can benefit from the anti-fog feature.
“For our family business, this is a significant half a million euro investment in development of the Finnish lens manufacturing industry. Our new coating machine is one of a kind in the Nordic Countries”, Managing Director Riikka Järvinen says.
Finnsusp has been developing, testing and manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, eye care products and contact lens care products for over four decades. Finnsusp’s products are sold in over 40 countries around the world.
For more information, please contact:
Tomi Korhonen, Sales and Development Director, Optics, tomi.korhonen@piiloset.fi, tel. +358 44 705 3003,
Riikka Järvinen, Managing Director, riikka.jarvinen@piiloset.fi, tel. +358 50 558 5375
Oy Finnsusp Ab is a fast growing global company that develops and manufactures unique contact lens care products, products for dry eyes and individualised ophthalmic lenses. Piiloset®, PuroSilmille® and OLOlinssit® branded products are manufactured in our own factories in Lieto, Finland. We also provide laboratory services and contract manufacturing service.
Finnsusp products are exported to over 40 countries in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, and North-Africa. More than 90% of our dry eye products and contact lens care solutions are exported.
Today, there are 50 Medical Device professionals in the company and we are constantly recruiting new talents
to join us on our growth journey. Environmental and social responsibility, high quality and employee wellness are core values to us. Finnsusp is ISO13485 and GMP certified.
Read more about us on www.finnsusp.fi.
ARTICLE OCTOBER 2020
An article covering a randomized, quadruple-masked and active-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel multi-ingredient microemulsion eye drop has been published in a peer-reviewed journal Acta Ophthalmologica. The clinical trial was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Ophthalmology at Kuopio University Hospital (Kuopio, Finland).
The proprietary microemulsion eye drop formulation developed by Finnsusp proved both safe and efficacious in significantly improving all key aetiologic factors currently recognized to maintain dry eye. The positive effects were observed within 10 to 30 days of daily use by patients mostly with severe symptoms. The results suggest that it is crucial first to disrupt the hyperosmolar stress condition in the tear film by biophysical protection of the ocular surface in order to facilitate resolution of cellular damage and inflammation, finally bringing a relief of the painful ocular symptoms of the disease.
For more information, please contact the corresponding author Jarmo Laihia, jarmo.laihia@piiloset.fi.
ARTICLE August 2020
We are pleased to announce that a review Trehalose for Ocular Surface Health has been published in a peer-reviewed journal Biomolecules (May 2020). The authors are Mr. Jarmo Laihia (Manager, Clinical & Formulation Development, Finnsusp) and professor Mr. Kai Kaarniranta (Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland).
An increasing body of evidence demonstrates exceptional bioprotective characteristics of trehalose. The review discusses the scientific findings on potential functions of trehalose in oxidative stress, protein clearance, and inflammation. The main objective is to help understand the beneficial effects of trehalose in clinical trials and practice, especially in patients suffering from ocular surface disease. The discussion is supplemented with an overview of patents for the use of trehalose in dry eye and with prospects for the 2020’s.
It is presumably the first time that a review about the optimal concentration of trehalose in an eye drop for treating ocular surface disease is published. Chapter 5.4, Do we know the optimum concentration?, discusses this interesting question.
Caption:
Etiologic factors of dry eye affected by trehalose as demonstrated in clinical data. Redrawn from ref [61], Figure S1, with permission from the authors.
For more information, please contact the corresponding author jarmo.laihia@piiloset.fi.
RELEASE August 2020
We are pleased to announce that Mr Tomi Korhonen has joined the Optical division of Finnsusp Oy as Development and Sales Director. He has also been appointed a member of the management team.
Mr Korhonen possesses extensive experience in the optical field. He has previously worked as an Area Sales Manager at Essilor Oy, in B2B sales at Silmäasema Oyj and as an optometris as well as a store manager.
His long and diverse experience in both retail and in wholesale businesses will be a valuable asset to Finnsusp Oy.
We are delighted to welcome Tomi to the Finnsusp team.
You may contact him at tomi.korhonen at piiloset.fi.
March 16, 2020
Dear Partner
We hope You, Your family and colleagues are well and safe during this exceptional period of COVID-19 spreading across the world.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Finland is rapidly increasing. The Finnish Government has today made several restrictions and taken preventive actions in order to minimize COVID-19 impact on the people and businesses. The health and safety of our employees is our top priority.
All schools and kindergartens will be closed until 13th of April, 2020. This, among the epidemic itself, will have severe effects on our employees and further on our production and shipments for the next following weeks. We will inform all our partners separately about the effects of the shipments to each country. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
We will do our utmost to keep the production and the shipments on-going. However, we do not know yet how long this crisis will take and how long it will affect our daily work.
We all ask kindly for your understandings and we will naturally keep you informed about our situation during this challenging time.
We wish you and your nearest and dearest all the best – stay well.
With best regards
Riikka Järvinen
Managing Director, co-owner
RELEASE February 2020
Puro™ is a novel range of products that Finnsusp Oy launched at the end of 2019. Consisting of three eye drops and two eye sprays, PURO™ products are developed based on the latest research data on the causes and treatment of dry eye disease. The development work focused on carefully thought-out, preservative-free compositions and clinical trials on Finnish patients.
According to the current understanding, dry eye disease is triggered by one of many causative factors. The disease mechanism itself repeats the same pattern and dry eye symptoms may turn into a continual “vicious circle”. The Puro™ products were developed to break the dry eye circle and to relieve dry eye symptoms and signs.
Carefully thought-out ingredients
The clinically tested, effective and gentle Puro™ products make use of natural ingredients and results of the latest scientific research. Innovativeness, high quality, eye friendliness and avoiding preservatives are the guide lines for R&D at Finnsusp Oy. Finnsusp Oy collaborates, for instance, with universities, university hospitals and ophthalmologists.
Puro™ products treat all symptoms of dry eye, from mild and seasonal to even severe symptoms. The preservative-free products suit for prolonged use, for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
– Puro™ Total is a Finnish innovation. It is a microemulsion eye drop that in regular use prevents dry eye symptoms and alleviates existing symptoms and signs. The product does not have to be shaken nor does it blur vision. Thanks to the novel DEMET® production technology, also developed by us, the emulsion is optically clear, tells Ms. Riikka Järvinen, Managing Director, PhD.
Sustainable manufacturing
Finnsusp Oy markets its products under trade names Puro™ and Piiloset®. The products are manufactured in a resource-efficient and eco-friendly way using solar power. Finnsusp’s production facilities are located in Lieto, Finland. Finnsusp’s products are certified as Medical Devices, thus, product development, manufacturing and sales is strictly controlled by international directives, laws and standards.
Puro™ products are available at pharmacies in Finland.
Puro means a stream. Streams of fresh water are important for conserving biodiversity of the Finnish nature. Streams are home to rare species of fish and an invertebrate.
For more information, please contact
Mr Markus Tenovuo, Sales Director, Tel. +358 44 739 1560, markus.tenovuo@piiloset.fi
Ms Riikka Järvinen, Managing Director, Tel. +358 50 558 5375, riikka.jarvinen@piiloset.fi
www.finnsusp.fi
RELEASE October 2019
Finnsusp Oy has set challenging goals: to be a globally successful eye care company by the year of 2025 and, to be the most desirable strategic partner for welfare of vision and manufacturing of Medical Device products. For the first time in its 40-year history, Finnsusp Oy has appointed professional board members to support the growth.
– We are very happy to have found experienced business professionals who share our company’s values. They are committed to joining forces with us to build the Finnsusp success story, tells Managing Director Ms Riikka Järvinen.
Mr Kari Toivonen brings a wealth of experience from his career in pharmaceutical and biotech businesses. He has hold various leadership positions in Finland and abroad within, for instance, corporate management, production and R&D.
Mr Ilari Antila is a specialist in international business and business management in health technology and healthcare businesses. His expertise and wide network will make a significant contribution to the international growth of Finnsusp Oy.
Mr Leevi Parsama is an e-commerce professional and marketing, sales and customer relationship management expert. He is an inspiring sparring partner with extensive experience in various sales and marketing roles that will support Finnsusp in reaching its goals both on the domestic and international markets.
Mr Olavi Nieminen will continue as Director of the Board. Together with his wife, he is the co-founder and former Managing Director of Finnsusp Oy. He has held various positions in the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare, in the Federation of Finnish Enterprises and in start-up companies, among others.
The fifth member of the board is Ms Riikka Järvinen. Daughter to Mr Nieminen, Järvinen is Managing Director of Finnsusp Oy and partner with strong experience in research and product development. The new dry eye product family has been developed under her leadership.
Finnsusp Oy welcomes all new members of the board to join Finnsusp Oy on its exciting journey to the challenging goal.
For more information, please contact Ms Riikka Järvinen, PhD, Managing Director, riikka.jarvinen@piiloset.fi, www.finnsusp.fi
RELEASE February 5th, 2019
Oy Finnsusp Ab has developed a unique preservative-free eyelid spray (Class IIb Medical Device) for dry eyes, eyelids and eye contour. Moisturizing effect of the spray is a result of innovative active agents sea buckthorn oil and hyaluronan, both of which have clinically proven effects on treating dry eyes1, 2. A three-phase clinical study was carried out in Turku, Finland, to investigate the effects of this sea buckthorn seed oil – hyaluronic acid containing eyelid spray emulsion on dry eye. Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Contact Lens Association has approved a peer-reviewed article about the clinical study and its results for publication in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye (CLAE).
Link to the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1367048418309123
The study was carried out as a randomized controlled study. Adults of 25–70 years with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) ≥20 and moderate or severe dryness were included. Dry eye tests were carried out at baseline, during, and at the end of each study section.
Conclusions: Beneficial effects were found with the eyelid spray for symptoms of dry eye. The improvement of dry eye symptoms was significant compared to a commercial reference spray and when compared to the untreated control eye during the third study phase.
The preservative-free and alcohol-free eyelid spray is sold by its original brand Piiloset BioDrop MD® Spray as well as by several private label brands in Europe, Canada and the Middle East. This eyelid spray is effective and an easy-to-use dry eye product for anyone with dry eyes. The product is safe to use during contact lens wear, too. The product utilizes unvented pouch-in-bottle system enabling 360° application for persons needing assistance.
For more information, please contact
Mrs. Riikka Järvinen, EVP, PhD, riikka.jarvinen@piiloset.fi
Mr. Markus Tenovuo, Sales Director, M.Sc. (Tech.), markus.tenovuo@piiloset.fi
References:
1 Larmo P. et al., Oral sea buckthorn oil attenuates tear film osmolarity and symptoms in individuals with dry eye. Journal of Nutrition 2010, 140/8):1462-8
2 Aragona P. et al., Long-term treatment with sodium hyaluronate-containing artificial tears reduces ocular surface damage in patients with dry eye. Br J Ophthalmol 2002; 181-184.
Founded in 1978, Oy Finnsusp Ab is a Finnish privately owned family business that develops and manufactures Medical Devices. The product portfolio comprises FreeForm spectacle lenses, care solutions for contact lenses and eye care products – also for pets. The products are exported to over 30 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South America and North Africa. The ISO 13485:2016, MDSAP and Brazilian GMP certified company provides also laboratory services and contract manufacturing services especially for the Medical Device industry.
PRESS RELEASE August 24, 2018
Oy Finnsusp Ab, a full service provider for the optical business celebrates its 40th anniversary. During the past four decades, Finnsusp has grown into an export-oriented company whose contact lens care solutions, dry eye products and spectacle lenses are exported to about 40 countries around the world. Investments in research & development bear fruit; the company has conquered new markets in the Middle East, for instance.
Dry eye products lead to new market areas
Dry eye syndrome is an increasing discomfort that our way of living and working exposes us to.
Roughly seven years ago, Finnsusp made the decision to accept the challenge and start investing in developing and manufacturing dry eye products. Dry eye products are classified as Medical Devices whose development, manufacturing and sales is strictly controlled by international directives, laws and standards. –Developing new products requires a lot of resources. It is a big challenge to do all the needed research work and fulfill the international standards and ever-tightening legislative requirements, says Riikka Järvinen, PhD, Vice President. –However, for a Finnish company, developing innovative products is the only way to cope on the highly competitive international market, Järvinen continues.
Preservative-free dry eye drops and eye spray with innovative substances and combinations, such as sea buckthorn oil (Hippophaë rhamnoides) and hyaluronic acid have been well received by the customers. With them, Finnsusp has gained a foothold on the competitive and quality-conscious Middle Eastern marketplace. Sales in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia has already started, furthermore, registrations in several other countries are on-going.
Growing demand enables investments
Finnsusp carried out investments in 2018 that optimize production of dry eye products. Automated bottling and packing lines increase and enhance production capacity remarkably. Capable and committed personnel is of course in key role. –These investments make it possible to meet the growing demand effectively, explains Järvinen.
Confident about the future
During 2019, Finnsusp will bring several eye care products on the market. Based on feedback from the customers, Finnsusp believes the novelties will get a good reception. Development and manufacturing of care solutions and spectacle lenses will continue as before. Focus on spectacle lenses is in expanding the range of special lenses and providing good eye health to those wearing glasses.
For additional information, please contact
Mrs. Riikka Järvinen, PhD, Vice President riikka.jarvinen@piiloset.fi, tel. +358 50 5585375
Mr. Markus Tenovuo, MSc (Tech) Sales Director, markus.tenovuo@piiloset.fi, tel. +358 44 7391560.
Oy Finnsusp Ab, founded in 1978, is a Finnish privately owned family business that develops and manufactures Medical Devices. The product portfolio comprises FreeForm spectacle lenses, care solutions for contact lenses and eye care products – for pets. The products are exported to almost 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South America and North Africa. Developed and manufactured in own factories in Finland, the products are marketed either with original brand “Piiloset” or as customers’ own private label products. Finnsusp also provides laboratory services and contract manufacturing services, especially for the Medical Device industry.