Researchers from Roche Holding AG disclosed the discovery and preclinical evaluation data for RG-7774 (vicasinabin), a novel cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) agonist being developed for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Based on an evaluation of 10 artificial intelligence algorithms for diabetic retinopathy screening, the U.K. National Screening Committee (NSC) recommended Eyenuk Inc.’s Eyeart system as the only one ready for live clinical implementation. The system will be rolled out first in the North East London National Health Service (NHS) Diabetes Eye Screening Program (DESP).
A smart contacts lens that detects diabetes and treats diabetic retinopathy could provide patients with a more comfortable alternative to insulin shots and monitoring blood glucose levels. The product was developed by a research team at the Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) that includes Sei Kwang Hahn, the CEO of Seoul, South Korea-based Phi Biomed Co. Ltd.
LONDON – The team that opened up the market for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs in the treatment of eye diseases has formed a new company, Eyebio Ltd., with the aim of developing a new generation of ocular therapies. David Guyer and Anthony Adamis, founders of Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Inc., which brought Macugen (pegaptanib sodium) through to FDA approval in December 2004, set up Eyebio in August last year, with seed funding from SV Health Investors.
Beijing Airdoc Technology Co. Ltd. raised HK$1.67 billion (US$214.8 million) with its IPO on the Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX) on Nov. 5, falling below its expectations of a $500 million raise. Share prices for the artificial intelligence-based (AI) medical imaging firm were priced at HK$75.10 apiece and dropped 3.5% to HK$72.50.
Tilak Healthcare SAS has received €7 million (US$8.08 million) from investors to push commercialization of its mobile game and vision monitoring platform, Odysight. The CE marked class I device is prescribed by ophthalmologists to remotely monitor age-related visual impairment and includes daily visual tests to stimulate cognitive and visual abilities. A rollout of the mobile game has already commenced in France.
TORONTO – Zilia Inc. has raised C$4 million (US$3.16 million) in seed financing to push new ocular diagnostic technology to regulatory finish lines in the U.S., Canada and eventually Europe. Zilia co-founder and CEO Patrick Sauvageau said the Zilia Ocular is alone in measuring oxygen saturation in the eye, an important biomarker for eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
People with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR), an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness. However, early detection and treatment can slow its progress. To that end, the Food and Drug Administration has cleared the way for Eyenuk Inc. to market its Eyeart autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) system for DR screening in the U.S.
PERTH, Australia – Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH is discontinuing development of BI-1467335 for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that it acquired from Sydney-based Pharmaxis Ltd. in 2015.
