RILLIEUX-LA-PAPE, FRANCE--EyeTechCare SA, which develops non-invasive therapeutic medical devices for the ophthalmology market based on the use of ultrasound, today announces that its EyeOP1 device is to be installed in a number of hospitals in France, namely Lille University Hospital, Grenoble University Hospital and the Quinze-Vingts and Saint-Joseph hospitals in Paris. The first use of this device for the routine treatment of glaucoma patients is slated from July onwards.
Glaucoma is the second largest cause of blindness worldwide, affecting approximately 70 million sufferers (Source: Canadian Ophthalmology Society).
The EyeOP1 device received the CE mark in May 2011. It has been available on the European market since the end of 2012. The device underwent three clinical trials at major French healthcare institutions in Dijon, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon and Paris. An international clinical trial was also conducted. Around 500 glaucoma patients throughout Europe have received treatment with EyeOP1 with satisfactory results.
"After five years' research and development, our start-up has risen to the challenge of completing the development of a world-first medical device which is now ready to market," said Fabrice Romano, CEO of EyeTechCare. "We are delighted with the interest that these four centers of excellence have shown in EyeOP1. This represents a terrific endorsement for us and means that now patients have the opportunity to access this innovative treatment. Other large medical institutions with whom we are in contact are showing keen interest in our glaucoma treatment device."
EyeOP1 is the only device of its kind on the European market. To date, no other commercially available therapy offers a permanent treatment for glaucoma. Current solutions on offer have included eye drops, laser treatment and surgery. But these have known limitations, such as a low level of treatment compliance, dependence on the person administering the treatment, patient relapse, technical problems, risk and low tolerance, etc.
EyeOP1 will be available in the following healthcare facilities:
The ophthalmology department at Lille University Hospital, under the supervision of Professor Jean-Francois Rouland
The ophthalmology department at the Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital Group, under the supervision of Dr Yves Lachkar
The departments headed by Professors Jean-Philippe Nordmann and Christophe Baudoin at Quinze-Vingts Hospital in Paris
The ophthalmology department headed by Professor Romanet at Grenoble University Hospital.
Stephane Dubrana was recruited as sales director for France at the start of 2013 to expedite the marketing of the EyeOP1 device throughout France.
Stephane Dubrana, 45, previously worked for two years as sales director for France at Alcon, a world leader in ophthalmology. Prior to that, he spent five years as regional director for the South-West Region.
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second biggest cause of blindness worldwide. It is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure. There is still no fully effective cure. Around 70 million people worldwide suffer from glaucoma. It is estimated that 8.4 million people are blind as a result. These figures are steadily increasing as the population ages. The forecast is that by 2020, 80 million people will be suffering from glaucoma and 11.2 million people will have lost their sight as a result of this disease. (Source: Canadian Ophthalmology Society)
About EyeTechCare
EyeTechCare SA is developing non-invasive therapeutic medical devices for the ophthalmology market based on High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU technology allows ambulatory and rapid treatment to be performed, thereby limiting the cost and the risk to the patient.
The company's first device, EyeOP1(R), is for the treatment of glaucoma, a disease that affects about two per cent of the world population and can lead to blindness. None of the therapies currently on the market provide a satisfactory cure for glaucoma. The treatments offered up to now have been constructed around eye drops, lasers and surgery, but they have limitations (low compliance, dependence on the operator, patient relapse, technical difficulties and so on).
EyeOP1(R) has been undergoing clinical trials in France and Europe and was launched onto the market at the end of 2012. The device utilizes the UC3 (ultrasound circular cyclo-coagulation) procedure, which makes it possible to reduce intraocular pressure by partially and accurately destroying the ciliary bodies that produce aqueous humor. The device obtained the CE mark in May 2011.
Based in Rillieux-la-Pape, near Lyon, France, EyeTechCare was founded in 2008 by three experienced managers with complementary expertise in the medical, industrial and regulatory fields. Today it employs close to 25 employees. The company has submitted eight patent applications in conjunction with the Lyon-based laboratory (Unit 1032) of Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. Since 2008, the company has secured nearly EUR 1.2 million in aid and subsidies from OSEO (the French innovation promotion agency), as well as official recognition from a number of state technology authorities. The company has raised a total of EUR 18.7 million since inception.
For more information, go to http://www.eyetechcare.com
