RetinalGenix Technologies said it has achieved a milestone in developing a high-resolution retinal imaging device and remote monitoring system. The company said in a press release that it has started imaging patients with its first prototype of the device using both near-infrared and green modes. The images will be further enhanced for inclusion in the second prototype, and the design for manufacturing will now commence, RetinalGenix Technologies said.
The imaging system is designed to enable secure, real-time remote monitoring around the clock, from virtually any location. Once the final prototype is completed, the company said it will contemplate installing units in various settings, including pharmacies, malls, general practices, specialty medical offices, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, nursing homes and independent living facilities.
According to RetinalGenix Technologies, the device is user friendly and does not require a technician or pupil dilation to view a 40° field of vision. It enables remote physicians to access data quickly for immediate assessment. Additionally, the imaging device simultaneously captures retinal and external images of the patient's eye.
The company said that a specialized network of retinal specialists will be available to receive the images on a contracted basis, assisting patients who may currently lack an eyecare professional to review their results. In addition, the company said that the device is not intended for diagnostic purposes; rather, it is a screening and monitoring tool. It can lead to immediate resolution, either through a physical examination or by scheduling a prompt visit to a doctor's office. If necessary, patients may also go directly to the emergency room. The patient's doctor will have control over the patient's disposition, as they will also have immediate access to the device's ability to provide real-time information, the company said in the press release.
The RetinalGeniX imaging system is designed to allow routine screenings to be conducted by general practitioners, optometric technicians, clinics, etc.
According to the company, RetinalGenix and Dr. Larry Perich are conducting an IRB approved investigation to correlate genetic markers with the success of intraocular injections of monoclonal antibodies to VEGF, such as aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron). By doing so, the company said Dr. Perich may be able to establish criteria and guidelines for determining candidate eligibility for these injections.
The findings of this study, RetinalGenix Technologies said, are expected to aid in the development of a pharmaco-genetic test that eyecare professionals can use to predict who will not benefit from the injections. the company added that the test should be available to patients at a cost of approximately $355.00.
In addition, the company said, for the dry type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the RetinalGeniX high-resolution retinal imaging system is designed to enable screening for dry macular degeneration in a matter of moments.
RetinalGenix Technologies also said it believes it has identified a biomarker that could offer an objective way to assess the presence of AMD before any visible signs are detectable by eyecare professionals, and the biomarker may provide the basis for recognizing the early signs of AMD which the reviewing service would confirm.
The initial step would have the patient get a scan as part of their annual health assessment. The scan may be able to assess the severity of the AMD and whether or not it could rapidly progress to the wet type of AMD.
In addition, RetinalGenix Technologies said it has been implementing its strategy to identify several opportunities to repurpose FDA-approved pharmaceuticals for the potential benefit of dry AMD, diabetic retinopathy and dementia. The company has submitted provisional patents for these indications in the United States and Europe.