Arctic Vision Introduces iTEAR®100, an FDA-Approved Neurostimulation Device for Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial chronic ocular surface disease resulting from abnormalities in the quality, quantity, and dynamics of tears, which lead to tear film instability or an imbalance in the ocular surface microenvironment. It may be accompanied by ocular surface inflammation, tissue damage, and neural abnormalities, causing various ocular discomfort symptoms and/or visual dysfunction. Specific symptoms include dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, visual fatigue, ocular redness, and fluctuating vision. This chronic disease can exert long-term cumulative effects, potentially leading to corneal ulceration, perforation, or even blindness. Dry eye disease is one of the most prevalent ophthalmic conditions; it is estimated that in 2020, the number of patients aged 15 and above reached 1.5 billion globally and 960 million in Asia [1]. Currently, the primary treatment approaches for dry eye disease involve ocular surface lubrication, anti-inflammatory therapy, and immunosuppressive therapy. However, most of these treatments fail to effectively stimulate endogenous tear secretion and do not adequately compensate for the deficiency of natural tears in patients with dry eye disease.

iTEAR®100 is an FDA-approved dry eye treatment device that operates through a non-invasive, drug-free neurostimulation mechanism. As the first FDA-approved device to promote natural tear secretion via non-invasive stimulation of the external nasal nerve, iTEAR®100 rapidly increases basal tear production to provide immediate relief from dry eye symptoms, while also enhancing meibomian gland secretory function. Neurostimulation mechanisms have numerous successful applications in medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers and implantable neurostimulators for pain management. In the field of ophthalmology, Olympic Ophthalmics is at the forefront of neurostimulation therapy, and this developed treatment holds promise for significantly improving the quality of life for ocular disease patients worldwide. A confirmatory clinical study[2] on iTEAR®100 demonstrated that over a 30-day usage period, the device sustainably promotes tear secretion, significantly alleviates dry eye symptoms, and exhibits a favorable safety profile and ease of use.

Dr. Heidi Hu, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director of ArcticVision, commented that,“We are pleased to partner with Olympic Ophthalmics to introduce the FDA-approved neurostimulation device iTEAR®100 to Greater China, South Korea, and ASEAN countries. Dry eye disease is a common chronic condition, affecting hundreds of millions of patients across Asia. We look forward to providing an innovative and affordable solution for dry eye patients, and the introduction of this product marks a significant milestone in building our independent commercialization capabilities. Moving forward, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to developing innovative ophthalmic therapies to improve the quality of life for patients in China and throughout Asia.”

Olympic Ophthalmics Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Gertner stated,“We are highly looking forward to partnering with Arctic Vison to develop and commercialize iTear®100 in Greater China, South Korea, and ASEAN countries. By bringing together the strengths of entrepreneurs, physicians, and investors, we have introduced innovative neuromodulation technology into the field of ophthalmic therapeutics. We are also highly confident that Arctic Vison, with its extensive experience in product R&D and commercialization within the Asian market, will serve as our ideal partner to bring iTear®100 to key markets across Asia, delivering meaningful benefits to a broad patient population.”

Managing Editor: Liuli

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