Glaukos Receives Permanent J-code for Epioxa™

New J-code for Epioxa™, J2789, set to become effective July 1, 2026

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:07am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a single glass syringe filled with a vibrant blue-green liquid, symbolizing the advanced medical technology behind the Epioxa pharmaceutical product for treating keratoconus.A new permanent J-code for Glaukos' Epioxa treatment aims to streamline coverage and access for patients with the rare eye condition keratoconus.Aliso Viejo Today

Glaukos Corporation, an ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company, announced that 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. The new J-code for Epioxa, J2789, is set to become effective July 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The assignment of a product-specific J-code for Epioxa represents an important milestone, supporting Glaukos' market access initiatives to increase access and expand coverage for patients suffering from keratoconus, a rare, sight-threatening disease that is currently far too often undiagnosed and untreated. 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 Glaukos' commercial launch and enabling broader patient access.

The details

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.

  • The new J-code for Epioxa, J2789, is set to become effective July 1, 2026.

The players

Glaukos Corporation

An ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

The U.S. government agency that oversees the Medicare program and partners with state governments to administer Medicaid.

Epioxa™ HD / Epioxa™

A photoenhancer 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®.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Thomas Burns, Glaukos chairman and chief executive officer

What’s next

Once the new J-code for Epioxa, J2789, becomes effective on July 1, 2026, it is expected to enable more streamlined and consistent coverage and payment for the product over time, strengthening the foundation for Glaukos' commercial launch and enabling broader patient access.

The takeaway

The assignment of a unique J-code for Glaukos' Epioxa product is a significant development that is expected to improve access and coverage for patients with keratoconus, a rare and sight-threatening eye condition. This milestone supports Glaukos' efforts to bring innovative, incision-free treatment options to the market and expand the standard of care for this underserved patient population.