IOptima Receives European Patent Approval For Its IOPtiMateTM, Laser System For Treatment Of Glaucoma

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 29 Oct 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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IOptima of the Israeli based Bio-Light group (TASE: BOLT) announces that they have received the European Patent Office (EPO) approval for its OT-134 laser based system, known also as IOPtiMateTM , for the non invasive filtration treatment of Glaucoma.

IOPtima, a leading Israeli based company focused in the development and commercialization of advanced technologies for Glaucoma treatment, developed a novel CO2 laser based system (IOPtiMate TM) which enables the performance of a swift simplified, efficient and cost effective filtration procedure for the alleviation of Intra Ocular Pressure. The IOPtiMate TM is a breakthrough technology which enables practitioners to provide a safe and efficient solution to relieve excessive intra ocular pressure which is the primary cause of damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma patients, and is expected to compete as the preferred first line of glaucoma treatment.

The patent approved is a broad based patent covering the company's unique concept of treatment and laser technology that they have developed for treating glaucoma.

According to Dr. Ami Eya, CEO of Bio-Light,"The EPO approval will enable commercialization of our systems in a protected and proprietary environment. It was a short while ago when we received the CE mark of approval and we are currently preparing for the implementation of our systems in the European markets parallel to the implementation in the Far East markets which has already begun. We are continuing our process of achieving FDA approval and expect to begin clinical trials in the U.S. shortly.

Dr. Joshua Degani, IOPtima CEO says, "Receiving the EPO approval is another important milestone for IOPtima which further validates and strengthens our position towards launching our product in Europe. Recently, we have obtained a CE mark of approval after successfully completing clinical testing in leading medical centers in Europe, Italy, Spain, and Russia. We believe that we can provide an effective and viable solution to millions of people suffering from this chronic eye disease that require constant treatment.

It is estimated that by 2010, approximately 12 million people in Europe, will suffer from glaucoma. The cost of medication treatment of glaucoma, the currently most common form of treatment, is estimated to be above $3 billion every year worldwide. Such medication, though initially effective, are challenged by very poor patient compliance and, at times, limited long term efficacy. In light of these, we believe that the IOPtiMate TM system offers an effective, safe and efficient solution to a huge and dire need. Our system has demonstrated to provide a quick, safe, and long term treatment that is comfortably priced, as compared to alternative treatments offered today."

IOPtima is launching its next generation IOPtiMate TM system the "OT-135"at the 2009 AAO conference, currently taking place in San Francisco. The advanced model of this technology includes operational modifications, ergonomic and other improvements to the system. The company is currently running a Wet Lab demonstration at the conference where leading glaucoma surgeons worldwide are training the IOPtiMate TM system on cadaver eyes. The company believes that this demonstration will assist and highlighting the IOPtiMate advantages as compared to alternative treatments available for glaucoma.

Source
IOptima