Optos plc
LONDON, UK, 02 May 2008 – Optos plc (LSE: OPTS), a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of retinal imaging devices, is today announcing that the Company’s P200MA device has been used in a major diabetic research study that has revealed new findings in peripheral retinal neovascularisation. Specifically, that peripheral retinal vascular non-perfusion and ischemia are directly linked with retinal neovascularisation, one of the worst complications of diabetic retinopathy and a leading cause of adult blindness.
A team of US-based retinal specialists led by Dr Steven Schwartz, an internationally renowned authority in retinal disease and resident Ahmanson Professor of Ophthalmology and Chief of the Retina Division at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), used Optos’ P200MA device to capture ultra wide-field images of over 700 eyes from a diabetic patient base. These ultra wide-field images have revealed potentially important new clinical discoveries in diabetic retinopathy that were not previously appreciated due to limitations in existing imaging technologies.
Commenting, Dr Schwartz, said: “Optos’ technology has changed the way we diagnose and thus potentially will change the way we treat diabetic retinopathy - this is truly revolutionary technology with game changing potential.”
Peripheral retinal neovascularisation occurs when the retina becomes ischemic which is when the arteries are no longer delivering sufficient blood. In a natural response the body then produces new vasculature. The new vasculature is typically weak and subsequently breaks and then leaks. The result is proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
The findings of the research study were presented on 30 April 2008 at the annual meeting of The Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Thomas W. Butts, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc, said:
“We are extremely pleased that our technology provided cutting edge support to Dr Schwartz and his team with this very important study. The results are an extremely strong endorsement of the clinical value our new P200MA device brings to physicians in their efforts to raise existing standards of care by enabling new treatment paradigms and leading to improved patient outcomes.”
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Optos plc
John McNeil, Company Secretary +44 (0)1383 843 337
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Neil Bennett +44 (0)20 7379 5151
About Optos Plc
Optos plc is a leading and rapidly growing medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of devices that image the retina, the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye. Optos has commercialised a full range of complementary retinal imaging devices that support different customer segments and patient levels within the eye and healthcare market: P200 is concentrated on wellness screening carried out by optometrists and ophthalmologists; P200C in the advanced clinical optometry and ophthalmology markets; P200MA supports doctors through an advanced medical angiography procedure. All three devices provide practitioners with the benefit of an ultra wide-field high resolution view of the retina, facilitating the early detection, management and treatment of disorders and diseases evidenced in the retina such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Retinal imaging can also indicate evidence of non-eye or systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. Optos’ technology provides an unequalled combination of wide-field retinal imaging, speed and convenience for both practitioner and patient and can help save sight and save lives.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates and projections about its industry, its beliefs and assumptions. Words such as 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'estimates,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions shareholders and prospective shareholders not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the view of the Company only as of the date of this announcement. The forward-looking statements made in this announcement relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this announcement except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority.