http://www.bioregio-stern.de/en/our-services/corporate-database/retina-implant-ag (19.06.2013)
Retina Implant AG
Retina Implant AG
Retina Implant AG is a medical technology start-up company founded in 2003 and built on the results of a research project that has been ongoing since 1996 and which involves numerous German university hospitals and research institutions, including the University Eye Hospital in Tübingen, the NMI Natural and Medical Institute in Reutlingen, the Institute of Microelectronics in Stuttgart, die University Eye Hospital and Ophthalmology Outpatients’ Department in Regensburg and the Institute of Physical Electronics at the University of Stuttgart. The company was converted into a corporation (AG=Aktiengesellschaft) in July 2007.
Retina Implant’s scientists primarily focus on patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition that can lead to complete blindness in just a few years. Retina Implant is developing retinal implants that are intended to restore vision after blindness has occurred. The development work focuses on an active, sub-retinal silicon chip with tiny photo-sensors which control an electronic switch enabling the nerve cells of the retina to be supplied with more or less electrical stimulation, depending on the brightness. These send impulses via the optic nerve to the brain which can then generate a picture from these signals. Only recently, 2 blind patients were implanted the sub-retinal chip. Since undergoing surgery, both patients are able to make out shapes.
In April 2006, as part of a capital increase, Mediplan GmbH took around a 25% share in Retina Implant AG by investing Euro 7.5 million in an initial tranche. Mediplan has also committed to investing a further Euro 7.5 million in the company once CE accreditation has been gained, which is required before a medical product can be marketed in Europe. The newly acquired funding will enable Retina Implant to finance clinical trials and the cost of approving the chip for market until it achieves break-even.
Retina Implant AG is hoping to launch a fully functional chip in about two years’ time. An important step towards reaching this goal is the recent ISO certification of the company.
| Type | Medtech |
|---|---|
| Activity | Medicine, Medical research, Medical care, Regenerative medicine |
| Management | Walter-G. Wrobel (Vorstandsvorsitzender, CEO) |
| Year of foundation | 2003 |
| Employees | 14 |
| Supervisory board | Prof. Eberhart Zrenner (Chairman) |
| Funding | Private investors |
| BioProfile | Long-term compatibility of functional electrical retina stimulation to restore sight. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of retinal changes following electrical stimulation in an organo-typical retina culture. |
Retina Implant AG
Technologiepark Tübingen-Reutlingen
Gerhard-Kindler-Straße 872770 Reutlingen
Germany
P +49 7121 36403-0
F +49 7121 36403-115
Contact person
Walter-G. Wrobel