ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViaLase, Inc., a clinical-stage medical technology company focused on addressing unmet needs in the conventional glaucoma treatment paradigm, today announced a research partnership with the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah (Moran Eye Center), home to the renowned Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation (Crandall Center). The collaboration will explore aqueous outflow dynamics of ViaLase’s novel ViaLase laser procedure, utilizing Moran’s state-of-the-art iPerfusion technology.
The ViaLase laser procedure delivers precise femtosecond laser pulses with micron-accurate image guidance to create apertures through the trabecular meshwork (TM) and into Schlemm’s canal. Utilizing perfusion technology to study how aqueous humor drains from the eye through the conventional outflow pathway, researchers will explore the effect of creating multiple channels as well as the optimal locations of these channels, which is key to understanding the IOP-lowering effect of the ViaLase procedure.
This partnership underscores ViaLase’s commitment to advancing incision-free solutions for managing glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The research will be led by Ike Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, an internationally acclaimed glaucoma surgeon and thought leader, who also serves as the director of the Crandall Center. Joining Dr. Ahmed is Fiona McDonnell, PhD, a renowned research scientist with specialized expertise in iPerfusion techniques, and Ian Pitha, MD, PhD, who is associate director of the Crandall Center.
The Crandall Center, named in honor of the late Dr. Alan S. Crandall, is dedicated to revolutionizing glaucoma care through high-impact initiatives, including personalized medicine, neuroprotective therapies, and translational research. The center’s cutting-edge capabilities will play a pivotal role in assessing various aspects of ViaLase’s procedure.
“Our collaboration with ViaLase perfectly aligns with the Crandall Center’s mission to transform glaucoma treatment through precision medicine and innovation,” said Dr. Ahmed. “The ViaLase procedure has the potential to provide a new paradigm in interventional glaucoma, and we are thrilled to explore its possibilities using Moran’s advanced research capabilities.”
ViaLase CEO Tibor Juhasz, PhD, added, “Partnering with the Moran Eye Center, Dr. Ahmed, Prof. McDonnell and Dr. Pitha is a significant milestone for ViaLase. Their world-class expertise in iPerfusion research techniques offers unparalleled insights into aqueous humor outflow and intraocular pressure dynamics, making them an ideal collaborator in our mission to develop innovative solutions for patients with glaucoma. This capability, combined with ViaLase’s pioneering femtosecond laser platform, offers the potential for significant advancements in glaucoma care.”
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects 76 million people worldwide, a number that is expected to increase to 112 million by 2040, and is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world.1,2 Most forms of glaucoma are chronic and, when left undetected or untreated, lead to irreversible vision loss. Early detection and treatment are essential to protecting against vision loss, which results when the optic nerve deteriorates, leading to progressive loss of the field of vision. Lowering IOP and thus reducing visual field progression is the only proven glaucoma treatment today. The current treatment paradigm typically begins with topical eye drops, then may advance to laser therapy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), before resorting to invasive, traditional filtration surgery.
About ViaLase, Inc.
ViaLase, Inc. is a globally-minded, venture capital-backed, clinical stage medical technology company located in Aliso Viejo, CA. ViaLase is focused on disrupting the conventional glaucoma treatment paradigm with the introduction of a truly noninvasive, image-guided, femtosecond laser treatment that enhances glaucoma patient care. With a leadership team that has vast experience developing, designing, manufacturing, and commercializing the first femtosecond lasers for ophthalmic surgery for refractive and cataract patients, ViaLase is now bringing that expertise and innovation to glaucoma patients. ViaLase believes in collaborating closely with health care providers, payers, societies, and patients to inform our product development and commercial activities with the goal of bringing this revolutionary treatment to glaucoma patients across the globe. For more information, visit www.ViaLase.com.
About the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah
The John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah is the largest ophthalmology clinical care and research facility in the Mountain West, with more than 60 faculty members and 10 satellite clinics. Physicians provide care in all ophthalmic subspecialties, and Moran supports more than 20 research labs and centers including the Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation (crandallcenter.org). Moran’s clinical care and residency education program have been ranked in the Top 10 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report and Doximity.
References
- World Health Organization. World report on vision: Executive Summary 2019. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/328721/WHO-NMH-NVI-19.12-eng.pdf
- Tham YC, Xiang L, et al. Global Prevalence of Glaucoma and Projections of Glaucoma Burden through 2040: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmology 2014; 121(11): 2081-2090. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161642014004333
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