MEDILens, a Drug-eluting Intraocular Lens
Lead Participant:
VISUSNANO LIMITED
Abstract
VisusNano is a medtech start-up company that is developing a drug-eluting intraocular lens implant, for use in patients undergoing cataract surgery. By improving patient outcomes, removing the need for eye drops after surgery, our technology has the potential to revolutionise cataract surgery.
Cataract, defined as opacification of the lens within the eye, is the commonest cause of blindness worldwide. The only cure is surgery. The main risk of treatment is postoperative inflammation that causes pain and, if left untreated, visual loss. This can be prevented with an intense administration of eye drops.
In the UK, more than 400k surgeries are performed each year in humans. Postoperative care requires drop administration up to 4 times/day for a month. If patients cannot self-administer the drops, family is asked to support their older relatives, adding to the unpaid carer burden. Unfortunately families cannot always help, so nurse's support is needed at a high cost to the NHS (\\\>£55M/year) and burden for a hospital eye service that is already "on its knees".
MEDILens is a biodegradable lens that can release anti-inflammatory drugs into the eye, obviating the need for eye drops without compromising the properties of the lens. The innovation is protected by patents.
The Innovate UK funding would allow us to test the safety and efficacy of MEDILens in humans, so to develop a product for ready for human trials post innovate UK grant completion.
With MEDILens growth opportunities and secondary markets are substantial. Not only the IOL market is growing because of the ageing population, but MEDILens can be easily modified to incorporate other drugs to treat different diseases.
Our company's success lies in our diverse skill mix. Our team has expertise in drug delivery development, ophthalmic surgery, clinical trials and project management. An ophthalmologist and a veterinary ophthalmologist are integral to the team and ensure that the developed product is fit for their end-users.
Cataract, defined as opacification of the lens within the eye, is the commonest cause of blindness worldwide. The only cure is surgery. The main risk of treatment is postoperative inflammation that causes pain and, if left untreated, visual loss. This can be prevented with an intense administration of eye drops.
In the UK, more than 400k surgeries are performed each year in humans. Postoperative care requires drop administration up to 4 times/day for a month. If patients cannot self-administer the drops, family is asked to support their older relatives, adding to the unpaid carer burden. Unfortunately families cannot always help, so nurse's support is needed at a high cost to the NHS (\\\>£55M/year) and burden for a hospital eye service that is already "on its knees".
MEDILens is a biodegradable lens that can release anti-inflammatory drugs into the eye, obviating the need for eye drops without compromising the properties of the lens. The innovation is protected by patents.
The Innovate UK funding would allow us to test the safety and efficacy of MEDILens in humans, so to develop a product for ready for human trials post innovate UK grant completion.
With MEDILens growth opportunities and secondary markets are substantial. Not only the IOL market is growing because of the ageing population, but MEDILens can be easily modified to incorporate other drugs to treat different diseases.
Our company's success lies in our diverse skill mix. Our team has expertise in drug delivery development, ophthalmic surgery, clinical trials and project management. An ophthalmologist and a veterinary ophthalmologist are integral to the team and ensure that the developed product is fit for their end-users.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| VISUSNANO LIMITED | £1,998,400 | £ 1,398,880 |
Participant |
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| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |