New OkuStim® Data to be Featured at World Ophthalmology Congress 2016

News provided by

Okuvision GmbH

05 Feb, 2016, 15:00 GMT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, February 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Post-Market Clinical Studies Confirm Safety and Suggest Efficacy of Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation (TES) in Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients  

Okuvision GmbH, the leading developer of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) therapy for early and intermediate stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients, announced today that clinical data of the Company's CE-marked OkuStim® device will be presented at World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2016. Two studies as well as a patient case report will be presented by the Company's global post-market trial partners at the ophthalmology industry's leading conference, taking place 5-9 February in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The studies investigate the safety and efficacy of the CE-marked OkuStim device used in RP patients. Highlights include:

  • "Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation for Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Prospective, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Follow-up Study," presented by  Prof. Dr. Andre Messias, Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Delivered as part of the Late Breaking News section, the study will discuss the significant electrophysiological changes observed in   the patients that received the treatment. Participants were split into three groups who received either sham, 150 percent or 200 percent of the patients' individual thresholds for 30 minutes per week over the course of a year. Dr. Messias' presentation will take place in the Salón Tlaquepaque at Expo Guadalajara on Sunday, 7 February from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
  • "Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation Treatment for Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa-Summary of Results from the TESOLA study-a Multicentric Observational Study," presented by Dr. Lubka Naycheva, specialist and head of the outpatient clinic at the University Eye Hospital Frankfurt looks at the results of more than 100 RP patients across 11 sites in Europe. The study observes the effects on visual acuity and function of TES at 150 percent of the patients' individual thresholds for 30 minutes per week over six months and a subsequent six month follow up period . The findings will be presented on Saturday, 6 February between 8:30-10:00 a.m. in the Salón de Eventos 9.
  • "Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation in a Case of Retinitis Pigementosa," is an electronic presentation led by Dr. Maria Pefkiananki, ocular oncology fellow at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. The presentation investigates the remarkable results of one RP patient's treatment using the OkuStim device over a two year period. This E-Poster abstract will be available to view at the computer kiosks in the Exhibition area throughout the length of the congress.

Of his late-breaking results Prof. Dr. Andre Messias shared, "The ability to delay the progression of a disease like RP is incredible. Our results show an increased cell activity in the retina. We are very encouraged by these results as they demonstrate that TES could make a big difference in the many lives impacted by RP."

The OkuStim device delivers individually adjusted levels of TES under physician guidance, with the goal of slowing the progression of RP-related blindness. During treatment patients might feel a slight ocular sensation, but no discomfort or pain. The most common side effect is dry eye, which improves with the application of artificial tears.

Speaking of the upcoming presentations, Reinhard Rubow, CEO of Okuvision said, "With such an limited number of options for early and intermediate stage RP patients, our findings indicate TES should absolutely be considered. We will continue to work diligently to ensure appropriate candidates have access to our potentially life-changing technology."

About Okuvision GmbH 

Founded by the leaders of Retina Implant AG in 2007, Okuvision GmbH is an innovator in the field of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) therapy for patients with early and intermediate stage of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Building on the lessons learned through the use of Retina Implant's subretinal implant technology, Okuvision was founded with the goal to develop a treatment for RP. In December 2011 OkuStim® received CE mark approval for use as a treatment to help delay the progression of RP. To learn more, please visit: http://www.okuvision.de.     

For more information  please visit Retina Implant & Okuvision at booth # 625/626 on site the WOC industrial exhibition.

MLSGROUP:
Sarah Herbert
+44(0)20-3219-8708
RetinaImplant@mslgroup.com

Okuvision GmbH:
Reinhard Rubow
+49-7121-36403-100
Reinhard.Rubow@Okuvision.de