WAVRE, Belgium — 17 October 2017: iSTAR Medical SA, a private medical device company developing novel ophthalmic implants for the treatment of glaucoma, announced today the completion of enrolment in their first-in-human (FIH) micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) trial for the MINIjectTM device.
The FIH trial is a prospective, open, international, multi-centre study which has recruited 25 patients with mild-to-moderate, open angle glaucoma uncontrolled by topical hypotensive medications for implantation with a MINIject device. Patient enrolment occurred in centres between June and October 2017. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and performance of the MINIject device measured by intra-ocular pressure (IOP) reduction under medication from baseline to 6 months. Subsequent safety and performance will be measured at 12 and 24 months post-surgery.
MIGS is a promising and growing therapeutic option for the treatment of glaucoma, but performance has been limited with early technologies such as stents, mainly due to the fibrotic response generated by surrounding tissues. iSTAR Medical’s MINIject device takes a new approach to drainage which represents a paradigm shift. Unlike other technologies, MINIject uses STAR material, a soft and flexible, medical-grade silicone which conforms to the eye anatomy. The porous geometry of the STAR material promotes bio-integration of surrounding tissue into the material which preserves drainage efficacy over time. In addition, anti-fibrotic properties minimise scarring and increase implant durability. MINIject provides a safe, effective and sustainable solution to significantly reduce IOP by enhancing aqueous humour outflow from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space. Implantation is swift and predictable using an injecting mechanism in a single-step procedure.
I am excited to be investigating this novel, next-generation, intuitive MIGS device with the iSTAR Medical team. MINIject offers the potential of an efficacious treatment which may be less fibrotic and thus more sustainable in the long-term.
Dr Ike Ahmed, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who performed some of the first MINIject procedures.
iSTAR Medical is proud to bring this innovative solution to patients suffering with Glaucoma, a major cause of blindness globally. With our proprietary STAR material, and international support from leading experts, MINIject has the potential to become a best-in-class treatment for Glaucoma. Initial feedback from investigators is encouraging and we look forward to seeing the primary endpoint results next year.
, said Michel Vanbrabrant, CEO of iSTAR Medical
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally according to the World Health Organisation, affecting over 80 million people. About 2.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma. MIGS is the most promising and fastest-growing therapeutic option in the treatment of glaucoma.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03193736
