VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that on October 23, 2018, local time, Carl Zeiss Meditec (hereinafter referred to as “Zeiss”) announced it had reached an acquisition agreement with IanTECH. IanTECH is a private company specializing in micro-invasive cataract technology solutions. This transaction will help Zeiss expand its portfolio of surgical ophthalmology solutions. The details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

IanTECH’s minimally invasive ophthalmic product, miLOOP™, has ended the more than 50-year history of cataract surgery relying solely on phacoemulsification technology. Leveraging minimally invasive interventional techniques, IanTECH enables independent cataract fragmentation through advanced micro-engineered shape-memory materials and instruments. The miLOOP™ device utilizes nitinol filament technology, endowing it with characteristics such as ultra-thin profile, superelasticity, and self-expansion. This allows for full-thickness lens fragmentation of cataracts at any grade, thereby minimizing intraocular ultrasonic vibration and the need for phacoemulsification.

Image source: Zeiss official website

“We hope that IanTECH will expand and complement our surgical ophthalmology product portfolio with its leading combination of devices and consumables, enabling us to provide a new standard of care for physicians and patients,” said Ludwin Monz, President and CEO of Zeiss. “The technology employed by miLOOP helps simplify some challenging cataract surgeries, reducing patient risk and further improving treatment outcomes, while being easy for surgeons to learn and use.”

Earlier this month, Zeiss received premarket approval from the U.S. FDA for its ReLEx SMILE laser system for ophthalmic treatment.

This is not the first time Zeiss has expanded its cataract surgery product portfolio. Last August, Zeiss announced the acquisition of Veracity Innovations, a developer of cloud-based cataract surgical planning software. The software system developed by this company can directly connect with multiple electronic medical records and diagnostic devices, covering all stages from initial consultation to postoperative care. Foreign media believe that Zeiss’s acquisition of IanTECH is not only aimed at further strengthening its surgical ophthalmology solution portfolio but also reflects Zeiss’s ambition to further position itself as a global innovation leader and solutions provider in the comprehensive field of ophthalmology.

As global population aging intensifies, the rapid growth of the elderly population and the rising prevalence of eye diseases have driven the expansion of the global ophthalmology market. According to survey reports, the global ophthalmology PACS market alone is projected to grow from $106.6 million to $160.2 million within five years, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period.

Headquartered in Jena, Germany, with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States, Japan, Spain, France, and other countries, Zeiss Group is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. Zeiss currently employs approximately 3,000 people worldwide. The company primarily provides innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions for the healthcare sector. Zeiss is currently listed on the German Stock Exchange.

IanTECH is a privately held company specializing in micro-invasive cataract technology solutions. Headquartered in Nevada, USA, it is recognized as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the field of eye care. Its micro-invasive technology offers new solutions for cataract patients. The team is currently establishing a new platform to facilitate the global promotion of its products.