InnFocus, Inc. receives authorisation to begin Phase I trial of the InnFocus MicroShunt™ to treat open angle glaucoma and major funding from HOYA Group
The trial will be the first to use trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C as a study control. Quoting InnFocus President, Dr. Leonard Pinchuk, “We believe that the excellent clinical results achieved by the InnFocus MicroShunt in earlier clinical evaluations indicate that the device will perform well against the current gold standard of trabeculectomy. An ongoing study, now in its third year in the Dominican Republic, is showing that the 
InnFocus MicroShunt™ can lower intraocular pressure by 50%-60% with the average pressure residing between 10 and 12 mmHg. This is particularly important in view of many well documented studies showing that reducing pressure below 14 mmHg arrests progression of the disease. Approximately 90% of our patients are below 14 mmHg and a similar number are totally off of glaucoma medication. The key to our success is our proprietary biomaterial which demonstrates a clinically insignificant foreign body reaction in the eye.”
Concurrently, InnFocus announced a $13.4 million financing led by HOYA and Saints Capital Everest. “HOYA has a well-established global portfolio of ophthalmic product companies. In addition to continuing innovation in intraocular lenses for treatment of cataracts, ophthalmic lenses for vision correction, and contact lenses for lifestyle enhancement, we have chosen an investment in InnFocus to continue our expansion efforts in ophthalmology,” said Taro Hagiwara, Executive Officer, Technology, of HOYA Group.
HOYA Surgical Optics specializes in intraocular lenses with substantial market share in Japan and worldwide. HOYA Vision Care offers the finest quality ophthalmic lenses and the most advanced coating techniques and lens designs available to correct refractive vision problems. Eyecity is a chain of contact lens specialty stores operated by HOYA with about 200 locations in Japan.
“We believe the InnFocus MicroShunt™ shows great promise to change the treatment of glaucoma. We are pleased to have the opportunity to invest in this compelling new technology and take part in bringing wellness to patients suffering from this disease,” said Thomas A. Dunlap, President and CEO of HOYA Surgical Optics.
Scott Halsted of Saints Capital said: “The Series B financing ensures that the Company will have adequate funds to complete the Phase I IDE, to begin Phase II enrollment and to clear the way for sales and marketing in Europe where the Company has received CE Mark.” Dr. Pinchuk added, “We are very excited that HOYA chose to invest in our technology and Company.”
