This weekend has seen the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC), held in Tokyo. Retina Implant AG, the leading developer of subretinal implants for patients blinded by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), tells us that an update on breakthroughs in artificial vision research including the multicenter clinical trial of its CE marked device was presented by Professor Eberhart Zrenner, M.D., coordinating investigator and founding director of the Institute for Ophthalmologic Research at University Eye Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany.
Background
The Alpha IMS is the first subretinal implant to obtain CE mark approval.It is a 3×3 mm2 microchip with 1,500 electrodes that works by mimicking the function of the photoreceptors within the eye and has been shown to restore partial vision to those blinded for years. Recipients of the implant are able to perceive light, detect motion, read letters and perform daily tasks with improved acuity and mobility in every day life. In clinical studies the majority of patients reported an overall improvement in functional vision, noting the ability to recognize faces, distinguish mid-sized objects such as telephones and read signs on doors.
Professor Zrenner was invited to present to three different symposia that took place in the Tokyo International Forum, the exhibit hall of the WOC. In his presentations, Prof. Zrenner discussed patient outcomes from Retina Implant’s multi-center clinical trials involving 40 patients, blind from RP. The visual results of the patients implanted with the Company’s technology were the basis for CE mark of the Alpha IMS subretinal implant in July 2013.
Physician comments
“Sharing research at international meetings like the World Ophthalmology Congress is integral to ensure the global ophthalmology community stays current on the latest treatments available, especially for conditions that have had historically few or no treatment options,” said Professor Eberhart Zrenner, M.D., coordinating investigator and founding director of the Institute for Ophthalmologic Research at University Eye Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany. “The Alpha IMS is a successful example of the innovative treatment solutions the ophthalmology community is interested in and keen to use in clinical practice.”
Company comments
“Our focus is to expand patient access to our subretinal microchip by establishing international clinical partnerships in untapped global markets,” said Walter-G Wrobel, CEO of Retina Implant AG. “We are pleased that Professors Zrenner and Chee were afforded the opportunity to present our clinical trial results at the World Ophthalmology Congress, an important conference that brings together the leading eye and degenerative disease specialists from around the globe.”
Source: About Retina Implant AG
published: April 7, 2014 in: Clinical Studies/Trials, Congresses and Meetings, Ophthalmics