Retina Implant AG Announces Publication of Study
19 February 2013
German company Retina Implant AG has announced the publication of study results in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
The company, which is developing subretinal implants for patients blinded by RP, today announced that results from part of its multicentre clinical study were published in the peer-reviewed journal. The research found that, during the course of a three to nine month observation period, functional vision was restored in the majority of nine German patients implanted as part of the company’s second human clinical trial. In addition, Retina Implant AG claim that visual acuity for two of the nine patients surpassed the best of the previous trial.
The study was led by researchers at University Eye Hospital in Tubingen, Germany including Professor Eberhart Zrenner. Patients were implanted with Retina Implant AG’s subretinal wireless Alpha IMS microchip and were able to adjust the level of stimulation received to view objects at varied distances. Three patients were able to read letters spontaneously and during observation in and outside the laboratory patients reported the ability to recognize faces, distinguish objects and read signs on doors.
“The results of our first human clinical trial exceeded our expectations, and we are further encouraged by the results from the second”, said Zrenner, "This research provides additional evidence that (this) technology can help some patients with retinal degeneration regain functional vision.”
Walter-G Wrobel, CEO at the company, said "... our quest (is) to secure CE mark approval and provide RP patients living in darkness with a treatment option. We are continually humbled by the 36 patients we’ve implanted thus far and their willingness to participate in this ground-breaking research.”
The Company’s first clinical trial began in 2005 and was published in 2010. The second began in 2010 in Tubingen and has since expanded with implants taking place in Hong Kong and the UK.
“As the relevant patient group in the UK we have been watching Retina Implant AG’s research with great interest,” said David Head, CEO at RP Fighting Blindness. “The results published today show promise to one day restore functional vision to patients with advanced-stage retinitis pigmentosa.”
Readers should note that this article is based on a Press Release and other information provided by Retina Implant AG
The company, which is developing subretinal implants for patients blinded by RP, today announced that results from part of its multicentre clinical study were published in the peer-reviewed journal. The research found that, during the course of a three to nine month observation period, functional vision was restored in the majority of nine German patients implanted as part of the company’s second human clinical trial. In addition, Retina Implant AG claim that visual acuity for two of the nine patients surpassed the best of the previous trial.
The study was led by researchers at University Eye Hospital in Tubingen, Germany including Professor Eberhart Zrenner. Patients were implanted with Retina Implant AG’s subretinal wireless Alpha IMS microchip and were able to adjust the level of stimulation received to view objects at varied distances. Three patients were able to read letters spontaneously and during observation in and outside the laboratory patients reported the ability to recognize faces, distinguish objects and read signs on doors.
“The results of our first human clinical trial exceeded our expectations, and we are further encouraged by the results from the second”, said Zrenner, "This research provides additional evidence that (this) technology can help some patients with retinal degeneration regain functional vision.”
Walter-G Wrobel, CEO at the company, said "... our quest (is) to secure CE mark approval and provide RP patients living in darkness with a treatment option. We are continually humbled by the 36 patients we’ve implanted thus far and their willingness to participate in this ground-breaking research.”
The Company’s first clinical trial began in 2005 and was published in 2010. The second began in 2010 in Tubingen and has since expanded with implants taking place in Hong Kong and the UK.
“As the relevant patient group in the UK we have been watching Retina Implant AG’s research with great interest,” said David Head, CEO at RP Fighting Blindness. “The results published today show promise to one day restore functional vision to patients with advanced-stage retinitis pigmentosa.”
Readers should note that this article is based on a Press Release and other information provided by Retina Implant AG
