AcuFocus
Irvine, CA – July 26, 2011 – AcuFocus (
www.AcuFocus.com), maker of an innovative corneal inlay that may revolutionize the treatment of near vision loss (presbyopia), today announced significant procedural growth since 2010 with the global launch of the KAMRA inlay and an investment by leading medical technology company, Medtronic. AcuFocus is currently selling the KAMRA inlay in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia-Pacific.
“This has been a tremendous year for growth in all areas of our
business,” said Ed Peterson, AcuFocus President and Chief Executive
Officer. “We’re thrilled by the enthusiastic response we’ve received
from investors, including Medtronic, and are proud to have them as a
strategic investor.”
“Medtronic is committed to advancing healthcare by investing in
innovative technologies and new markets. AcuFocus’ strong track record
of innovation in ophthalmology and strong market position align them
well with our mission to bring life-enhancing therapies to patients
around the world,” said Steve Oesterle, MD, Senior Vice President for
Medicine and Technology at Medtronic.
“Medtronic is one of the world’s largest medical technology companies,
and now they are able to enter the ophthalmology space at the right
time,” commented Richard Lindstrom, MD, Minnesota Eye Consultants.
AcuFocus has invested in over 10 years of research and development, with
more than 1,000 patients participating in its worldwide clinical trials.
The KAMRA™ inlay received CE mark for use in the European Union in 2005
and is an investigational device under IDE in the United States. The
device provides a revolutionary treatment option for near vision loss,
or presbyopia, which affects 1.5 billion people worldwide. In 2010,
AcuFocus commercially launched internationally with tremendous success.
To date, there have been over 5,000 KAMRA inlays implanted globally with
great results.
About the KAMRA Inlay and the AcuTarget™ Diagnostic and Surgical
Guidance System
The KAMRA inlay is an intra-corneal inlay designed to create a small
aperture effect, allowing the eye to see near and intermediate objects
more clearly. By applying the “depth-of-focus” principle commonly used
in photography, the KAMRA inlay controls light transmission allowing
only central rays to reach the retina through a fixed 1.6 mm aperture.
The KAMRA inlay is placed under a LASIK-type flap. The AcuTarget
Diagnostic and Surgical Guidance system is an exclusive, proprietary
device used to guide surgeons on proper surgical placement of the KAMRA
inlay, ensuring precise, predictable and repeatable implantation for
best outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.
The KAMRA inlay has received CE mark for use in the European Union and
is an investigational device under Investigational Device Exemption
(IDE) in the United States.
To learn more about the KAMRA inlay please visit www.KAMRA.com.
About Presbyopia
Presbyopia, a part of the normal aging process, reduces the ability of
the eye to focus on near objects. This condition occurs when the
crystalline lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it difficult
to focus on close objects. Presbyopia may seem to occur suddenly, but
the actual loss of flexibility takes place over a number of years,
usually becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s. Presbyopia is not a
disease and it cannot be prevented. Traditionally, most people with
presbyopia use reading glasses to improve their near vision.
About AcuFocus
AcuFocus, Inc., a privately held company located in Irvine, California,
is developing the KAMRA inlay for the treatment of near vision loss (presbyopia).
For more information about AcuFocus please visit www.AcuFocus.com.
Media Contact
Amy Phillips
Pascale Communications, LLC
(412) 327-9499
[email protected]