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15 Sep 2014
Quantel to begin commercialization of 'Vitra' platform for two sight-damaging conditions.
Quantel Medical, the France-based company specializing in laser treatments, is to begin commercializing a new photodynamic therapy (PDT) platform immediately, following its approval by European health authorities.
The Clermont-Ferrand firm’s “Vitra” system is designed to treat conditions called polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and central serous retinopathy (CSR) – both of which affect eyesight through damage to the retina.
Opportune moment
PCV is characterized by detachment of the pigmented epithelium and can often lead to a serious condition known as subretinal fibrosis. According to several studies, it is thought to be prevalent in 20-50 per cent of Asian patients with “presumed neovascular” age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and in 4-12 per cent of Caucasians.
However, Quantel says that it is currently believed that the true prevalence of the disease is under-reported, and expects additional demand for treatment in the future. “Studies have demonstrated excellent short-term efficacy of PDT for treating PCV,” it claims, citing a series of recent research papers.
Meanwhile CSR, also known as central serous chorioretinopathy, or CSC, causes an often temporary visual impairment, usually in one eye. Typically diagnosed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) equipment, the prognosis for patients with the condition is generally very good, with the vast majority of them regaining near-perfect vision within six months.
Quantel Medical CEO Jean-Marc Gendre said of the European approval: “This comes at an opportune moment, as demand for PDT treatment technologies is expected to increase as the disease's true prevalence is realized.”
He is confident that the technology will provide ophthalmologists with a cost-effective treatment option, and commercialization is set to begin in both Europe and Asia. “This product development, supported by [Swiss pharmaceuticals giant] Novartis, will propose an updated solution for current and future PDT users,” he said.
Disposable optics
Meanwhile Quantel Medical introduced two new disposable optical products at the joint annual congresses of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), currently taking place in London, UK.
The launch includes probes for the company’s “Supra” system and the Vitra PDT platform, both used in conjunction with photocoagulation lasers for the treatment of retinal diseases. “The extended range features two new, unique designs, including a flexible tip laser probe and a steerable laser probe,” announced the company.
“The new steerable probe allows unparalleled access to the retina with its steerable concept and 360 degrees rotatable handle,” it added. “The flexible curved probe's exclusive design features a flexible needle with a memory shape effect. Each probe in the line offers operator comfort of use with its optimized features.”
“The introduction of Quantel's new, single-use diagnostic and treatment lenses brings improved optical quality and safety, not previously available in the market,” claimed the firm. “The new, advanced design of the single-use lenses feature larger, flatter mirrors resulting in a wider, improved field of view. In addition to the optical improvement, the lenses provide a solution to many of the concerns that are often associated the risk of infection from improper disinfection of traditional, reusable lenses.”
The company cites studies showing that hundreds of eye infections are linked to ophthalmology clinics, suggesting that eye care facilities need to show strict adherence to infection control measures.
“Quantel single use lenses provide a pristine view for diagnosis and treatment, and ideal laser transmission every time,” it added.
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