Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center International BV
ZUIDLAND, The Netherlands, December 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Introduced in 2010, the DORC ILM-Blue product is inter alia protected by European Patent EP 1 819 366 owned by Aqumen / Kyushu University, Fukuoka Japan, of which DORC is the worldwide exclusive licensee. After the European Patent was granted, opposition proceedings were launched against the European Patent. The Opposition Division of the European Patent Office has now upheld the patent which covers the ILM-Blue product.
During a hearing in The Hague on the 1st of December 2011, the Opposition Division confirmed that the use of Brilliant Blue G in ophthalmic surgery was novel and inventive.
As a result of this decision, the ILM-Blue patent remains in force and offers the possibility for DORC to continue the production and sales of this high quality innovative product.
The decision may be appealed. An appeal must be filed within two months after receiving the written decision (expected in 2-3 months from now).
ILM-Blue profile :
- ILM-Blue® is a dye to stain the ILM in vitreoretinal surgery.
- By injecting ILM-Blue® in the vitreous cavity the ILM will be clearly
stained and easily distinguished from the underlying, unstained retina and can be
removed selectively.
- Due to a new integrated carrier 4% PEG solution, ILM-Blue® can be injected
in a BSS filled eye and sinks immediately as a cohesive ball to the fundus of the eye
and only stains the targeted tissue without diffusion throughout the whole globe.
Best ILM staining due to high purification up to 97% purity
ILM-BLUE®: Posterior Dye for staining the ILM consists of:
- BBG 0,025% + 4% PEG
- Highly purified BBG up to 97% purity!
Company profile
Since the foundation in 1983, D.O.R.C. has developed into a market leader in research, development and production of products for eye surgery, especially products for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery. Our products are used by eye surgeons worldwide, because of the high quality development and because our products are known for their state-of-the-art design, quality and craftsmanship.
D.O.R.C. has its own research and development department and is receiving a continuous feedback from market developments and market queries regarding high quality eye surgery products, disposable products and electronic equipment.
D.O.R.C. has continuously engaged in worldwide cooperative undertakings with leading surgeons. These cooperations have resulted in the introduction of multiple unique products for the ophthalmic market. The innovation quote of DORC is at a level of 10% of the turnover.
D.O.R.C. exports its instruments and equipment to more than ninety countries worldwide and has its own sales and marketing organisations in the USA, France, Germany, Middle East, Scandinavia,
Belgium, United Kingdom, Austria and The Netherlands. The DORC companies employ about 300 people.
Visit our website : http://www.dorc.nl
CONTACT: Note to editors: Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center International
BV, Frank Ruseler, E: [email protected] , T: +31(0)181-45-80-80.