Pixium Vision (Paris:PIX) (FR0011950641 – PIX, “Pixium”), a company developing innovative bionic vision systems with the intention to allow patients who have lost their sight to lead more independent lives, announces the first successful implantation and activation of IRIS ® II in the UK. This epi-retinal implant with 150 electrodes is intended for patients who have lost sight as a result of retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
The first implant of IRIS ® II in UK was successfully performed in September, by Dr. Mahi Muqit, PhD FRCOphth, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, study Principal Investigator in UK. This is part of Pixium Vision’s ongoing multi-centre clinical trial to assess the performance of IRIS ® II as a treatment to compensate for blindness by the intended provision of a form of bionic vision and greater autonomy for patients. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the clinical centres of excellence participating in the multicentre European study across France, Germany and Austria, UK and Spain. Moorfields Eye Hospital is one of the oldest and largest centre for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in Europe.
Dr. Muqit commented: “ This first IRIS®II retinal implant in the UK was successfully completed for the 73 year old retinitis pigmentosa patient. The 150 electrode implant with its explantable design, may become an innovative option for the retinal surgeons. Participation in this European clinical trial allows us to evaluate the new system.” Dr. Muqit added: “ The patient’s system was activated and he reported first perception of light. Per clinical protocol, the patient will now enter training and re-adaptation to learn how to interpret the new light signals.” The implant activation and first light perception illustrates that some visual perception may become available. It precedes the normal re-adaptation and re-education process where, per protocol, the patient enters a learning process to interpret the new form of bionic vision which is different to the natural form of vision.
Khalid Ishaque, CEO of Pixium, added: ” The first IRIS®II implant in UK at the prestigious Moorfields hospital, is part of the company’s strategy to continue to expand its presence across centres of excellence in Europe. Pixium Vision is dedicated to conceive, develop and bring meaningful bionic vision innovations to surgeons, which shall enable them to treat patients who have lost sight to retinal dystrophies.” In parallel, the company continues to progress with development of its second system, PRIMA, a wireless sub-retinal implant, with a less invasive design than IRIS ® and which is intended to be suitable, particularly, for AMD. First preclinical studies enabled the submission to regulatory bodies for a feasibility study for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
