Okuvision GmbH's Breakthrough Technology to Be Featured at Retina International World Congress

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• Publié par: schwartz-msl
• Nombre de lectures: 16
• Langue: English

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Okuvision GmbH's Breakthrough Technology

to Be Featured at Retina International World

Congress

PR Newswire

HAMBURG, Germany, July 10, 2012

- Industry expert to speak on the promise of transcorneal electrical stimulation

in improving vision for patients with retinitis pigmentosa

HAMBURG, Germany

,

July 10, 2012

/PRNewswire/ -- Okuvision GmbH, an

innovator in the field of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) for early and

intermediate stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients, today announced that

data on the company's CE-marked OkuStim™ treatment will be presented at

the Retina International World Congress, a biannual meeting that provides a

forum for patients and researchers to learn of the latest news and research

about retinal diseases from around the world. This year's congress will take

place in

Hamburg, Germany

from

July 14 - 15, 2012

and will attract a diverse

audience of 500 attendees. Prof. Dr. Florian Gekeler, consultant at the Centre

for Ophthalmology of the University of Tubingen, will present the latest findings

on TES to treat RP to patients on

Saturday, July 14

and to his peers on

Sunday,

July 15

.

Receiving CE mark approval in 2011, OkuStim is designed to promote cell

regeneration in photoreceptors and delay progressive sight loss in RP patients

by stimulating the eye with TES, also known as electrical stimulation therapy

(EST). The device works by sending small amounts of electrical current to

stimulate the retina and consists of a frame worn around the patient's head, a

hand-held stimulation controller and a battery pack. Patients can self-

administer OkuStim at home or receive treatment in the doctor's office. During

treatment, patients may feel a slight sensation, but no discomfort or pain is

involved in the treatment.

"Exciting advances in the field of medicine are changing the way doctors

address retinal conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa. The congress offers a

targeted forum for physicians and patients alike to discuss the most current

technologies and treatments for a variety of retinal issues," said Prof. Dr.

Florian Gekeler, Centre for Ophthalmology of the University of Tubingen. "I am

looking forward to sharing my promising research on the use of transcorneal

electrical stimulation to slow the progression of RP-related blindness."

Research has shown that electrically stimulating the retina can help preserve

dying retinal cells and promote cell regeneration in photoreceptors, delaying

progressive sight loss in RP patients. The results of Okuvision's pilot study were

published in

April 2011

in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science and

demonstrated that patients receiving stimulation showed a statistically

significant improvement in their field of vision.

To further the body of scientific knowledge on TES and OkuStim, Okuvision is

launching additional, post-market research studies on the technology. Taking

place in Tubingen,

Germany

, a study called EST2 will test various levels of

stimulation with OkuStim over a one-year period. EST2 is approaching full

patient accrual; however, individuals interested in the trial may enroll through

July 31, 2012

. A second, multi-center study, TESOLA, is also scheduled to begin

in 2012, pending regulatory approval in Germany, UK and

Hong Kong

. TESOLA

is already approved to begin in

Norway

and

Denmark

in the fall of 2012.

"We are pleased to participate in this year's Retina International World

Congress, providing an opportunity for more patients and physicians from

around the world to learn about the benefits OkuStim therapy can provide to

slow the progression of RP," said Reinhard Rubow, chief executive officer,

Okuvision GmbH. "With plans to launch two post-market studies on OkuStim

therapy this year, there is great momentum surrounding the use of

transcorneal electrical stimulation therapy for RP patients, making it a perfect

time to raise awareness of OkuStim at this important venue."

Congress attendees can learn more about OkuStim therapy at the Okuvision

booth or at the sessions for patients. More information on Professor Gekeler's

presentations can be found on the Retina International World Congress website

at: http://www.retina-international-2012.de/english/program/program.html.

About Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of the most common forms of inherited retinal

degenerations affecting 1 in every 3,000-4,000 people in

Europe

. A progressive

condition that gets worse over time, RP typically causes severe vision problems

in adulthood. Retinal implants represent tremendous promise for enabling RP

patients to regain sight.

About Okuvision GmbH

Founded by the leaders of Retina Implant AG in 2007, Okuvision GmbH is an

innovator in the field of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) for patients

with early and intermediate stage retinitis pigmentosa. Building on the lessons

learned through the use of Retina Implant AG's subretinal implant technology,

Okuvision was founded with the goal of testing and developing a treatment

option aimed at delaying the effects of retinitis pigmentosa. Okuvision's first

study began in 2007 and treated 24 patients over a period of six weeks. To

learn more, please visit: www.okuvision.de.

Schwartz MSL:

Okuvsion GmbH:

Sherry Feldberg/Kirsten Fallon

Reinhard Rubow

[phone]

[phone]

[e-mail]

[e-mail]