Visible Progress in Devices for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A mere seven years ago, before the approval of Visudyne photodynamic therapy, patients losing their vision to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were told that there was nothing that could be done for them. Today, AMD sufferers may choose from an assortment of drug treatments. Genentech's Lucentis will reach almost $1 billion in sales in its first year on the market, analysts predict, and it doesn't claim to do anything except slow down the progression of the disease. Moreover, the drug does this better than first-generation anti-VEGF drug Macugen. And if those options aren't enough--and they're not--a handful of start-ups developing device-based therapies are making significant progress by applying some highly innovative approaches. ScyFIX, for example, is applying electrical stimulation to halt the effects of AMD and possibly repair the damage done. NeoVista is applying radiation therapy to the back of the eye, an approach that could serve as an alternative to Lucentis and other drugs based on growth factors, which require frequent injections into the eye. Retina Implant has developed an implantable microchip that will stimulate intact nerve cells in the retina to recreate the sense of sight.
Mary Stuart
It’s hard to imagine, but 20 years ago, before the
development of interventional cardiology and dozens of heart drugs,
doctors advised patients with chest pains to curtail all strenuous
activities. Other than that, nothing could be done for them. A mere
seven years ago, before the approval of Visudyne
photodynamic therapy from QLT Inc.,
patients losing their vision to age-related macular degeneration
(AMD) faced similar limited options
Read the full article – start your free trial today!
Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights
Global investment in consumer healthtech increased by 9% year-over-year in 2024, totaling $4.5bn, with significant interest in mental health solutions, according to Galen Growth. While the first quarter of 2025 saw raised confidence and investments, the Trump administration’s new tariffs and sweeping changes to healthcare have introduced new uncertainties.
The Doctor Patient Forum says the US FDA should regulate a scoring platform from Bamboo Health intended to help clinicians calculate risk for opioid abuse as a medical device to ensure patient safety.
The US FDA has announced seven device safety actions in recent days. The most serious, which relates to a manufacturing defect in Boston Scientific’s Accolade pacemaker, has been linked to 832 injuries and two deaths.
EU regulators have approved a strategy to streamline the submission and approval of studies that involve the simultaneous investigation of a medicinal product, an IVD, and/or a medical device. The strategy involves rolling out seven cross-sector projects over the next few years.
FemTech leaders discussed some of the barriers that remain in unlocking the full potential of the women’s health market during SiS New York last week. They also offered solutions.
Mirvie launched Encompass, a blood test to help identify women over age 35 who are at moderate risk for preeclampsia, and will conduct additional studies to support reimbursements from payers.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains one of the most challenging and resource-intensive emergencies in cardiovascular care. At SCAI 2025, clinicians presented a novel algorithm that improved triage decisions and reduced unnecessary interventions.