ViaLase, Inc announced the release of positive data from the first-in-human study of femtosecond laser image-guided high-precision trabeculectomy (FLigHT)—performed using ViaLase technology—for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Talk about this ViaLase technology.
The ViaLase-developed ViaLuxe Laser System is designed to deliver tightly-focused, optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided femtosecond laser pulses throughout the cornea and across the anterior chamber to the iridocorneal angle, non-invasively creating channels within the trabecular meshwork (TM) and into Schlemm’s canal.
Translation?
To put it simply, the system allows a surgeon to noninvasively lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by creating channels within the TM—without creating damage in adjacent tissue.
Watch this video to see how it works.
Now tell me about this trial.
The prospective, single-center, non-randomized, 12-month study assessed the safety of using FLigHT and its potential IOP-lowering effect. A total of 9 patients (15 eyes) were enrolled, all of whom were previously diagnosed with either OAG or ocular hypertension.
Each patient received a medication washout before receiving the FLigHT + laser system-incorporated procedure.
Findings?
Investigators observed a reduction in mean IOP at 12 months. Additionally, 100% of eyes did not need further IOP-lowering treatment after one year and no evidence of scarring at the treatment site was found using gonioscopy.
There were also no reports of any FLigHT treatment-related adverse events (AEs).
Significance?
This data offers the potential to fulfill an unmet need in glaucoma treatment with a non-invasive treatment option for lowering IOP.
What’s next?
ViaLase reports that a multicenter, randomized trial is currently in progress to further support the first-in-human study findings. Stay tuned for further results!