Microclear Medical Completes Tens of Millions RMB Series C Financing to Accelerate Global Market Expansion of High-End Ophthalmic Imaging Devices

During the pandemic, we have overcome difficulties together. Microclear Medical announced the completion of a C-round financing worth tens of millions of RMB to advance the research and development and sales of its ultra-wide-angle laser color photography, confocal imaging, and related products. This funding will also accelerate the deployment of its full range of high-end ophthalmic imaging products and promote the global sales of its products. This round of financing was exclusively invested by Guangdong Deyi Capital Management Co., Ltd., with VCBeat serving as the exclusive financial advisor.

Microclear Medical is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, production, and sales of advanced ophthalmic imaging and intelligent devices. Its independently developed series of products, including ultra-widefield confocal laser retinal color photography and angiography, fundus cameras, and vision screening instruments, have obtained medical device registration certificates in China, the United States, the European Union, and other regions. The company has passed international certifications such as ISO9001, serving over 2,000 large hospitals, exporting to more than 50 countries and regions including Europe and the United States, and owning more than 100 domestic and international patents. It has established an ecosystem of advanced ophthalmic imaging and intelligent screening products and is gradually building its global channel sales system, establishing a premium brand of Chinese manufacturing among customers. The following briefly outlines its technological advantages and industrial layout:

The Chinese ophthalmology market faces several pressing issues that need to be addressed, including a relative scarcity of ophthalmologists, heavy reliance on imported equipment, high costs, and significant burdens on both doctors and patients. The Microclear Medical team independently developed and launched ophthalmic imaging products such as ultra-widefield laser color photography and ultra-widefield laser angiography. As the first Chinese company to apply "ultra-widefield confocal laser technology" to ophthalmic imaging equipment, it has broken foreign monopolies and achieved a leading level of intelligent innovation. Retinal and choroidal angiography are the gold standards for diagnosing fundus diseases, and Microclear Medical is the only domestic company capable of developing confocal ultra-widefield fundus angiography. Currently, this series of products has been installed in over 200 tertiary hospitals across China.

Microclear Ultra-Wide Angle Confocal Laser Synchronous Angiography

At the same time, Microclear Medical is also conducting more explorations in horizontal application fields. In collaboration with several renowned ophthalmic hospitals in China, it has carried out classification labeling and analysis of various ophthalmic cases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. It has successfully launched the first "Fundus Disease Risk Assessment System" based on an ultra-wide-angle laser camera, achieving localized deployment without the need for internet connection. This system enables AI-assisted analysis and fundus disease risk assessment while fully ensuring the privacy of patient and doctor data.

Compared with traditional optical imaging methods, confocal laser technology performs point-to-point scanning, meaning every "point" is a focal point. It enables the observation of more subtle retinal lesions as well as capillary function and morphology, allowing for in-depth and detailed fundus examination for various diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, retinal vascular disorders, and macular degeneration.

Traditional optical fundus cameras dominate the fundus imaging market, with typical manufacturers such as TOPCON and CANNON having annual shipments exceeding 20,000 units. However, optical cameras face the following clinical pain points in fundus imaging:1. LED optical illumination has poor penetration and cannot provide clear imaging for patients with turbid refractive media.

2. The minimum pupil size for optical cameras is generally 3.5mm and above, making it impossible to obtain clear images for elderly patients and others with small pupils.

3. The traditional optical camera has a 45-degree imaging field of view and cannot image the peripheral retina, making it prone to missed diagnoses.

The ultra-wide-angle laser camera perfectly addresses the three pain points mentioned above: single-shot intraocular imaging increases to 165 degrees (with an optical lens angle of 110 degrees), and stitched imaging exceeds 220 degrees. It requires no pupil dilation, no darkroom, and can still produce clear images even in cases of opaque refractive media. It is capable of recording the entire diagnosis and treatment process, from color photos and pre-operative videos to post-operative videos.

In addition, Microclear Medical's unique "20x lossless optical zoom" technology allows even newly practicing doctors to switch the imaging range with a single click while quickly focusing, eliminating the hassle of repeatedly changing lenses in traditional methods. Microclear Medical believes that ultra-widefield confocal laser cameras will gradually replace traditional optical cameras, becoming the first choice for the next generation of fundus camera users, and will reshape the landscape of the fundus camera market.

Microclear Medical Ultra-Wide Angle Laser Camera Images and Optical Zoom for Detail Imaging

The ultra-widefield confocal laser fundus camera/angiography system is also the primary choice in animal experiments. By replacing customized lenses, it enables clear imaging of the fundus in animals such as guinea pigs. Moreover, the ultra-widefield confocal laser technology brings more possibilities to clinical research at the cellular level. A 5° field of view can clearly display photoreceptor contours and micro-arterial blood flow velocity, comprehensively revealing details of retinal microstructures and capturing cellular-level lesions in depth. This technology is globally leading.

High-definition Fundus Image of Guinea Pig (Body Size 50mm, Pupil 1mm)

The prevention and control of myopia has been elevated to a national strategy. Microclear Medical independently developed intelligent hardware based on the Android platform, enabling the miniaturization and digitization of products such as fundus cameras, digital slit lamps, and vision screening devices. This has helped establish a comprehensive system for the Chinese people, featuring "grassroots screening - remote diagnosis - health tracking - tiered referral," which has been widely applied in both clinical and research fields.

Microclear Medical's intelligent hardware product series covers ophthalmology and optometry grassroots screening.

Dr. Chaohong Li, founder of Microclear Medical, is one of the leading experts in the field of optical imaging and ophthalmic image diagnosis engineering, with comprehensive and profound knowledge of the underlying technologies and product development for cutting-edge ophthalmic medical devices worldwide. Since founding Microclear Medical in 2011 after returning to China, Dr. Li has received support from multiple talent programs, including national-level talent projects, Jiangsu Province's "Double Innovation" program, and the Gusu Leading Talent program. He has also been supported by various scientific research projects such as the National Key Technology Support Program, the National Key Research and Development Program, and the National Natural Science Foundation. Dr. Li has published nearly 20 SCI papers, filed over 50 domestic and international invention patents, and authored one academic monograph. Currently, Dr. Chaohong Li serves as a specially appointed professor at the Institute of Medical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Southeast University, and Wenzhou Medical University, focusing on innovative R&D of frontier technologies and their industrial applications.

Regarding the successful completion of this round of financing, Dr. Li Chaohong stated"Thank you to Deyi Capital for their recognition and support of the Microclear team. Deyi Capital’s understanding of technical details, the prospects for clinical applications, and industrial thinking have left a deep impression on our team. Microclear is committed to creating high-end ophthalmic imaging and optometric intelligent devices that are made in China, prioritizing technology, dedicating ourselves to industrial advancement, rewarding our team, and sharing development. Microclear looks forward to moving forward hand-in-hand with both new and existing investors."

Dr. Xiao Xinye from Deyi Capital stated:"At present, high-end diagnostic equipment in ophthalmology is mainly monopolized by imported manufacturers. There are few domestic enterprises involved, or their technology is difficult to reach the international level. Among domestic manufacturers, only a few can enter the international first-tier level, and Microclear Medical is undoubtedly one of the outstanding ones. Deyi Capital first recognizes the underlying technical capabilities of Microclear Medical. We are pleased to see that certain functional modules of some products have achieved global leadership. Secondly, we recognize Microclear Medical’s product development and marketing approach. Li Bo and the team have a clear roadmap in terms of product pipeline layout and commercialization strategies. Against the backdrop of domestic substitution and the globalization of China's medical device industry, we are optimistic about Microclear Medical’s future performance both domestically and internationally. We believe that with the accumulation and沉淀 of technology, Microclear Medical will demonstrate its full product coverage capability in the field of ophthalmic equipment and grow into an excellent enterprise capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with century-old global brands."

Deyi Capital focuses on areas such as healthcare, information technology, and consumer upgrades. The management team has years of experience in investment, securities, and industry, possessing extensive market resources and professional post-investment service management within the industry. In the healthcare sector, Deyi Capital has invested in industry-leading and innovative enterprises including Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals (688266.SH), Allist Pharmaceuticals (688578.SH), Etern Biopharma, Elpiscience Biopharma, Manteia Data Technology, Rsgene Biotech, Huamaitech, Huiyi Huaying, Jingyu Medical, BasePoint Biotech, ShangMed, Nuofeng Pharmaceuticals, and Cloudbreak Bio.