- Samsung Bioepis Co. has initiated its first randomized, double-masked Phase 3 clinical trial for SB15, the company’s proposed biosimilar of Eylea (aflibercept). The multicenter study will compare efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity between SB15 and Eylea in 446 patients with neovascular AMD.
- A study part-funded by Fight for Sight has pioneered a gene therapy approach to reverse retinitis pigmentosa. Researchers used a viral vector to carry a replacement RP2 gene to malfunctioning cells in lab-grown mini-retina models of the disease, after which the cells began to produce the essential protein associated with the gene.
- Epipole has secured £1.5 million in funding to prepare to enter the US market. The retinal imaging specialist also announced the appointment of Ian Stevens as Chairman. Stevens previously spent nine years at Optos, first as CFO and then as General Manager of its North American business.
- Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH has announced the launch of its web-based IOP tracking service for remote glaucoma monitoring and management. “The EYEMATE system is backed by 10 years of clinical data, which means the safety and utility are proven,” said CEO Max Ostermeier in a statement.
- Harris Williams has advised The Retina Group of Washington, a leading provider of retinal and macular eye care in the greater Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, on its transaction with PRISM Vision Group. The group will be responsible for building a vertically integrated eye care network in the region.
- Wasatch Photonics has expanded its Cobra OCT spectrometer product line to include a 1,600 nm OCT spectrometer for deep-tissue SD-OCT imaging. The Cobra 1600 builds on the company’s existing line of off-the-shelf spectrometer models, offering greater depth penetration with high contrast for highly scattering tissues and materials.
