I-Therapeutix Announces First Commercial Use Of I-ZIP(R) Adherent Ocular Bandage For Clear Corneal Cataract Incisions

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 04 Apr 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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I-Therapeutix, Inc. announced that Mr. Richard Packard and Dr. Daniel Calladine from the Prince Charles Eye Unit, King Edward VII Hospital, Windsor, UK, performed the first ophthalmic surgeries in Europe with the company's CE Mark approved I-ZIP(R) Adherent Ocular Bandage. All phacoemulsification cataract surgeries were performed under topical anesthesia by Mr. Packard. Patients received a foldable IOL with wound-assisted implantation through a 2.2 mm clear corneal incision. No stromal hydration or sutures were used prior to application of the I-ZIP Bandage.

"In a previous clear corneal incision architecture study, we showed that low intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in the immediate postoperative period is associated with incision architectural features that suggest lower structural integrity. All I-ZIP patients had well formed anterior chambers and the incisions were observed with complete coverage of I-ZIP postoperatively," said Mr. Packard. Patients were comfortable with normal tearing.

The I-ZIP Adherent Ocular Bandage is a synthetic hydrogel composed of approximately 90% water that can be applied to cornea, sclera and conjunctiva. The hydrogel bandage is applied as a liquid which then polymerizes in situ, forming a soft, adherent, protective barrier over the ocular incision. I-ZIP Bandage is intended to remain on the ocular surface during the normal reepithelialization process and subsequently slowly sloughs off into the tears. I-Therapeutix is currently conducting a U.S. multi-center pivotal study for the I-ZIP Bandage.

I-Therapeutix, Inc. is a privately held Company based in Waltham, MA focused on the development and commercialization of ophthalmic therapeutic products using its proprietary hydrogel technology. I-Therapeutix is also developing sustained ocular drug delivery vehicles utilizing its proprietary hydrogel polymer technology. The company was founded in November, 2006 and is funded by several leading venture capital groups.

I-Therapeutix, Inc.
http://www.itherapeutix.com

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