UK Receives Approval for Bionic Vision System Clinical Trial

UK has received approval to conduct a clinical trial for patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic retinal disorder, using IRIS II bionic vision system.

Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has given permission for Pixium Vision, the only company developing an epi-retinal system for retinitis pigmentosa to conduct a clinical trial at the Moorfields Eye Hospital in the UK.

‘Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK approves IRIS II bionic vision system clinical trial for patients who have lost their vision due to retinitis pigmentosa.’

IRIS II bionic vision system comprises of a bio-inspired camera capable of mimicking the functions of the human eye. It has an imaging sensor that can continuously capture images using its time independent pixels. IRIS II has a small silicon chip with 150 electrodes that is implanted onto the retina.

The camera is integrated into the goggles, which sends images to a smartphone-sized portable computer, which converts them into electrical signals. These signals are transmitted wirelessly to the implant which in turn stimulates the optic nerve.

Mahi Muqit, Principal Investigator of the study, said, "We are excited to participate in the clinical trial of IRIS II and be the first site in the UK. Patients with RP can now benefit from a new choice of retinal implant that may potentially further improve visual outcomes. This new clinical trial is key for ophthalmic reference centers like Moorfields to evaluate the latest technologies, and provide patients with a retinal implant that is differentiated and allows retinal implant exchanges in the future. We are delighted to work with Pixium Vision to develop solutions for retinal dystrophies like RP and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)."

Khalid Ishaque, CEO of Pixium Vision added, "The UK approval for the clinical study further reinforces our confidence in the IRIS II platform, our first innovative bionic vision system. Currently as the only company developing an epi-retinal system for RP patients and a sub-retinal wireless photovoltaic implant for AMD patients, we are delighted to initiate this clinical partnership with the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in the UK."

Source: Medindia