ELT Sight Acquires MLase AG's Excimer Ophthalmic Laser System to Expand into European and U.S. Glaucoma Markets

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from Business Wire that on November 13, 2019, ELT Sight announced the acquisition of the intellectual property and assets of MLase AG’s excimer ophthalmic laser system for glaucoma surgery. The specific terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. ELT Sight plans to expand its marketing activities in Europe in early 2020 and conduct clinical studies in the United States.

ELT Sight, with offices in Munich, Germany, and Los Angeles, USA, is dedicated to delivering effective, safe, and long-lasting minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. ELT Sight is a subsidiary of MLase AG, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative laser systems.

MLase AG, established in December 2007, is a global leader in the field of UV medical technology, dedicated to developing and manufacturing innovative, high-quality laser and lighting systems using cutting-edge technologies. The company’s innovative laser system, ExTra ELT, is designed for non-implant, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. As the population ages, the number of glaucoma patients continues to rise. For patients, healthcare companies, and hospitals, current treatment options—including daily eye drops, invasive shunts, and stents—are not ideal solutions.

Excimer Laser Trabeculotomy (ELT) is a completely implant-free, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery that precisely treats glaucoma primarily by increasing the permeability of the trabecular meshwork. Studies have shown that this method carries lower risks than other glaucoma surgical treatments, and physicians can complete the procedure within 10 minutes.

This technology was first used clinically in Europe in 1997. European studies have demonstrated favorable outcomes and safety for this outpatient procedure, which can sustainably lower intraocular pressure and reduce medication usage. MLase AG’s excimer laser system for ophthalmology received CE certification in Europe in 2014 and is currently available for use in Europe.

Elliott Friedman, CEO of ELT Sight, stated, “There is a growing demand for new solutions for glaucoma, a global health challenge projected to affect 80 million people worldwide by 2020. Clinical studies in Europe have demonstrated that ExTra’s ELT laser system offers glaucoma patients a treatment option that lowers intraocular pressure without the need for implants. We aim to initiate clinical trials in the United States early next year while simultaneously intensifying our marketing efforts in the European market.”

Mr. Friedman added, “MLase has an excellent reputation for developing and manufacturing innovative laser systems, and we hope to collaborate with them to make this system available to millions of glaucoma patients worldwide.”

(Compiled by Jiang Ying)