EyeTechCare SA, which develops non-invasive therapeutic medical devices for the ophthalmology market based on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), announced its EyeOP1 device has 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.
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.
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).