By Sally Adee
19 December 2008—Researchers from three major California universities are working on an artificial retina that could give limited sight to people with degenerative diseases of the retina, such as macular degeneration. Such a prosthesis is a more realistic future treatment than stem-cell therapy, gene therapy, or eye transplants, its developers say. The Californian researchers have been treating people using a 60-pixel retina in a clinical trial for two years. But they are now gunning for a system with a resolution of 1000 pixels, they reported Tuesday at the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM), in San Francisco. And in contrast with systems in trials today, the researchers hope to develop a system that would be completely sealed into the eye, without any external components.
James Weiland, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Southern California’s Biomimetic MicroElectronic Systems (BMES) Engineering Research Center, reported on an experimental system that includes a 1000-pixel test chip. He expects to have the high-res retina at a point where they can begin clinical trials in about five years.
In the artificial retina, a camera mounted on glasses outside the eye sends the visual signals to two RF coils inside the front half of the eye. An electronics module inside the eye’s vitreous humor—the gelatinous saline sac that fills the space between the lens of the eye and the retina at the back of the eye—translates the RF signals into voltages for use in the high-res retina chip. Lying against the retina is a grid of 1000 electrodes on a flexible substrate; these electrodes apply voltage signals to the retina, which interprets them as photons. The rest of the visual process takes place as usual, and the system mimics relatively normal vision.
The group, which includes researchers from the BMES center, the California Institute of Technology, in Pasadena, and the University of California, Santa Cruz, which developed earlier prototypes in collaboration with Second Sight Medical Products. The first was the Argus 16, with 16 electrodes; the next, Argus II, has 60. Both have been in clinical trials. The Argus II implant enabled blind clinical-test subjects to follow a straight line for about 6 meters without deviating from the path. But the key to a medical device’s ability to grant true independence is whether it allows the person to identify faces or read. Artificial-eye researchers estimate that such tasks will require between 600 and 1000 electrodes.
Ideally, that artificial retina would be contained entirely within a person’s eyeball. In order to create a fully self-contained high-resolution system, the team must consider many different pieces: a parylene coating to protect the prosthesis from the corrosive effects of being inside the body for 60 years or more, a flexible substrate that can conform to the idiosyncracies of different individuals’ retinal curves, and, most important, wireless power.
Instead of batteries, the device uses inductive coils that pick up energy transmitted from outside the body. The researchers are also relying on insights from MEMS fabrication: the implant coils, interconnects, and 1000 electrodes are formed during a single parylene micromachining process.
“This is a really breathtaking system,” says MIT electrical engineering professor Jesus del Alamo, who organized the panel at IEDM where Weiland discussed the group’s research. “They have every piece of the system in place—they have even designed their own software.”
But there is more work to be done. “You need to get everything into the eye,” says Jamal Deen, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at McMaster University, in Ontario, “including the camera.”
So far, the camera, image-processing hardware, power amplifier, and data modulator are external, but Weiland hopes to implant even the camera part of the system by fixing it to the lens of the eye. His collaborators at USC are working on miniaturizing the camera system so that it can be placed onto the lens in a routine surgical procedure similar to cataract surgery. “If we can make a camera the size of the lens, we can implant it there,” he says. “But again, the challenge is making a self-contained camera without a larger control circuit.”
He cautions that it will take several years to put the whole system together and start clinical trials. But those trials will lean heavily on what is learned from trials of the implant being tested today. So potential patients should not wait for the new chip. “The 1000-channel device is likely more than five years away from even starting clinical testing,” says Weiland. “In the meantime, our 60-channel device has been in clinical trials for over two years, and sometimes we run into difficulty recruiting for the trial because some prospective participants are aware of the research efforts on higher-channel-count devices.”
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Brain Reorganizes to Adjust for Vision Loss in Macular Degeneration
Published by Karin
A new study shows that when people with retinal disease such as macular degeneration use a peripheral part of their retina to compensate for their loss of central vision, their brain appears to compensate by reorganizing its neural connections.
Macular degeneration (MD) causes a progressive loss of central visual. To cope with this, MD patients often start to focus using a functional retinal area in the periphery of their area of vision. This use of a new area of focus may foster cortical reorganization.
Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity in participants as they performed a series of tests designed to visually stimulate their peripheral regions. It was determined that when the participants visually stimulated the peripheral retinal locations they increased brain activity in the same areas of the visual cortex that are normally activated when healthy patients focused on objects in their central visual field.
Study authors believe that large-scale cortical reorganization of visual processing occurs in humans in response to retinal disease. While several other studies have suggested that the brain can reorganize itself, this is the first study to show that this reorganization in patients with retinal disease is related to patient behavior.
Researchers are currently analyzing how long this reorganization takes and whether it can be assisted with low-vision training.
Learn more about macular degeneration
Read about eye exercises for vision fitness
SOURCE: Reorganization of visual processing is related to eccentric viewing in patients with macular degeneration, Schumacher, et al, Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, Volume 26, Number 4-5, 2008, 391 – 402.
A new study shows that when people with retinal disease such as macular degeneration use a peripheral part of their retina to compensate for their loss of central vision, their brain appears to compensate by reorganizing its neural connections.
Macular degeneration (MD) causes a progressive loss of central visual. To cope with this, MD patients often start to focus using a functional retinal area in the periphery of their area of vision. This use of a new area of focus may foster cortical reorganization.
Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity in participants as they performed a series of tests designed to visually stimulate their peripheral regions. It was determined that when the participants visually stimulated the peripheral retinal locations they increased brain activity in the same areas of the visual cortex that are normally activated when healthy patients focused on objects in their central visual field.
Study authors believe that large-scale cortical reorganization of visual processing occurs in humans in response to retinal disease. While several other studies have suggested that the brain can reorganize itself, this is the first study to show that this reorganization in patients with retinal disease is related to patient behavior.
Researchers are currently analyzing how long this reorganization takes and whether it can be assisted with low-vision training.
Learn more about macular degeneration
Read about eye exercises for vision fitness
SOURCE: Reorganization of visual processing is related to eccentric viewing in patients with macular degeneration, Schumacher, et al, Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, Volume 26, Number 4-5, 2008, 391 – 402.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MacuCLEAR and Mystic Pharmaceuticals Agree To Collaborate on Macular Degeneration Phase I/II Clinical Trial
PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MacuCLEAR, Inc. (“MacuCLEAR”) announced today it has entered into a collaborative business relationship with Mystic Pharmaceuticals Inc. for its upcoming Phase I/II Human Clinical Trials. MacuCLEAR is developing MC 1101, for the treatment and prevention of the progression of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Mystic Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Mystic”) has developed a novel unit dose drug delivery platform capable of preservative free, precision delivery of ophthalmic drugs.
“We believe Mystic’s novel VersiDoser™ delivery system will help overcome many of the challenges of topical delivery of ophthalmic drugs to the eye,” said Philip G. Ralston, Jr., President and CEO of MacuCLEAR. “Standard eyedroppers typically deliver too large a drop that 'floods' the eye. Conventional eyedroppers waste product and are difficult for elderly patients to use reliably on a daily basis. Mystic’s individually packaged drops can be precisely sized and accurately delivered with a unique dispenser that is easy to use.” Ralston added, “The Mystic dispenser counts the drops delivered, which will be helpful in tracking compliance and accounting for the usage of a reimbursed product.”
Mystic Pharmaceuticals’ President and CEO, Timothy Sullivan, stated, “We are pleased to work with MacuCLEAR in their clinical program. Their drug has shown promise throughout its preclinical program and has received fast track status from the FDA. AMD is a growing healthcare problem for our aging population. Our delivery systems are uniquely designed to safely and effectively deliver drugs to low vision and elderly people. The combination of these two technologies offers great potential for addressing a terrible disease resulting in loss of vision.”
Ralston and Sullivan jointly announced the collaboration at the OneMedPlace Emerging Healthcare Technologies Finance Forum at the Drake Hotel in San Francisco today.
About MacuCLEAR: MacuCLEAR, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical development company, based in Plano, Texas. Its lead compound, MC1101 is a novel, topically delivered solution for the treatment and prevention of the progression of the Dry or early stage of age related macular degeneration, which afflicts 90% of all who have AMD. This technology was invented at Texas A&M University by George C.Y. Chiou, PhD, who led the development of Timolol, a pioneering treatment for glaucoma.
For more information please visit the MacuCLEAR website: www.macuclear.com
About Mystic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mystic Pharmaceuticals™ is an integrated specialty pharmaceutical company based in Austin, Texas. Mystic develops precision unit dose ophthalmic and intranasal drug delivery platforms for pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. Mystic combines its novel drug delivery systems with a pipeline of pharmaceuticals and biologics under development by Mystic or its partners, to meet the expanding global market demand for medications which are lower cost, safer and easier to use for consumers.
For more information please visit the Mystic website: www.mysticpharmaceuticals.com
“We believe Mystic’s novel VersiDoser™ delivery system will help overcome many of the challenges of topical delivery of ophthalmic drugs to the eye,” said Philip G. Ralston, Jr., President and CEO of MacuCLEAR. “Standard eyedroppers typically deliver too large a drop that 'floods' the eye. Conventional eyedroppers waste product and are difficult for elderly patients to use reliably on a daily basis. Mystic’s individually packaged drops can be precisely sized and accurately delivered with a unique dispenser that is easy to use.” Ralston added, “The Mystic dispenser counts the drops delivered, which will be helpful in tracking compliance and accounting for the usage of a reimbursed product.”
Mystic Pharmaceuticals’ President and CEO, Timothy Sullivan, stated, “We are pleased to work with MacuCLEAR in their clinical program. Their drug has shown promise throughout its preclinical program and has received fast track status from the FDA. AMD is a growing healthcare problem for our aging population. Our delivery systems are uniquely designed to safely and effectively deliver drugs to low vision and elderly people. The combination of these two technologies offers great potential for addressing a terrible disease resulting in loss of vision.”
Ralston and Sullivan jointly announced the collaboration at the OneMedPlace Emerging Healthcare Technologies Finance Forum at the Drake Hotel in San Francisco today.
About MacuCLEAR: MacuCLEAR, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical development company, based in Plano, Texas. Its lead compound, MC1101 is a novel, topically delivered solution for the treatment and prevention of the progression of the Dry or early stage of age related macular degeneration, which afflicts 90% of all who have AMD. This technology was invented at Texas A&M University by George C.Y. Chiou, PhD, who led the development of Timolol, a pioneering treatment for glaucoma.
For more information please visit the MacuCLEAR website: www.macuclear.com
About Mystic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mystic Pharmaceuticals™ is an integrated specialty pharmaceutical company based in Austin, Texas. Mystic develops precision unit dose ophthalmic and intranasal drug delivery platforms for pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. Mystic combines its novel drug delivery systems with a pipeline of pharmaceuticals and biologics under development by Mystic or its partners, to meet the expanding global market demand for medications which are lower cost, safer and easier to use for consumers.
For more information please visit the Mystic website: www.mysticpharmaceuticals.com
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wet AMD? Participants Needed Now for New Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials.
A new trial has just begun comparing the two Macular Degeneration Wet drugs, Avastin and Lucentis. Currently Lucentis is the FDA approved drug and Avastin has off-label approval. The trial seeks to compare the two drugs for safety and effectiveness. Participants are being recruited now.
January 5, 2009 (FPRC) --
The US National Eye Institute has announced a new trial into the treatment of Macular Degeneration Wet.
Although the condition is generally accepted as incurable, eye doctors have had good results in delaying the worst of the symptoms, including full blindness, by injecting drugs directly into the eyes of patients.
Currently Lucentis is the FDA approved drug for wet macular degeneration treatment. It was approved in June 2006.
Years of clinical trials showed that with repeated treatment, Lucentis slowed the progression of vision loss and in some cases even improved vision.
One of the problems with Lucentis is that it is a very expensive drug, costing approximately $2000 per injection.
Injections are usually needed every 4 weeks.
Avastin, a much cheaper drug, has off-label approval for treating wet AMD. It was approved by the FDA in 2004 for colon cancer treatment.
Avastin works in a similar way to Lucentis by stopping the unwanted blood vessel growth present in wet AMD.
The Lucentis-Avastin trial will compare the two drugs for safety and effectiveness.
Participants in the trial can expect to be treated with an injection of either drug every four weeks for up to two years.
It is important to remember that wet macular degeneration is generally regarded as incurable.
Also participants in the trial should be aware that possible side effects of eye injection treatment could include eye inflammation and increased eye pressure athough serious side effects are rare.
Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of age related blindness. The good news is that
age related eye disease and eventual blindness CAN be prevented. Specific nutrients, reduction of risk factors and early detection can save your sight.
To learn more about prevention and how to participate in the
Lucentis-Avastin Trial visit our website.
http://maculardegenerationtreatmenttips.com/
January 5, 2009 (FPRC) --
The US National Eye Institute has announced a new trial into the treatment of Macular Degeneration Wet.
Although the condition is generally accepted as incurable, eye doctors have had good results in delaying the worst of the symptoms, including full blindness, by injecting drugs directly into the eyes of patients.
Currently Lucentis is the FDA approved drug for wet macular degeneration treatment. It was approved in June 2006.
Years of clinical trials showed that with repeated treatment, Lucentis slowed the progression of vision loss and in some cases even improved vision.
One of the problems with Lucentis is that it is a very expensive drug, costing approximately $2000 per injection.
Injections are usually needed every 4 weeks.
Avastin, a much cheaper drug, has off-label approval for treating wet AMD. It was approved by the FDA in 2004 for colon cancer treatment.
Avastin works in a similar way to Lucentis by stopping the unwanted blood vessel growth present in wet AMD.
The Lucentis-Avastin trial will compare the two drugs for safety and effectiveness.
Participants in the trial can expect to be treated with an injection of either drug every four weeks for up to two years.
It is important to remember that wet macular degeneration is generally regarded as incurable.
Also participants in the trial should be aware that possible side effects of eye injection treatment could include eye inflammation and increased eye pressure athough serious side effects are rare.
Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of age related blindness. The good news is that
age related eye disease and eventual blindness CAN be prevented. Specific nutrients, reduction of risk factors and early detection can save your sight.
To learn more about prevention and how to participate in the
Lucentis-Avastin Trial visit our website.
http://maculardegenerationtreatmenttips.com/
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Many Uses of CoenzymeQ10
The benefits of coenzyme Q10 have mostly been ascribed to aiding heart health in recent years. In this regard, it is known as a nutrient that may help patients who suffer from congestive heart failure.
It has also been touted by many natural health experts who point out that statin prescription drugs — which are used to lower cholesterol — also deplete the body of essential coenzyme Q10. Therefore, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 is particuarly important for statin users.
In Japan, Coenzyme Q10 is a hugely popular supplement and a significant percentage of the adult population uses it as a general anti-aging supplement.
But beyond these now well known facts, the latest research is indicating coenzyme Q10 has many other uses.
What is Coenzyme Q10 Used For
The efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraines is just one of the latest uses for this potent nutrient.
In the February 2005 issue of Neurology, a study was referenced that took place in Switzerland in which Coenzyme Q10 supplemention reduced migraine frequency by 27% in sufferers of this condition.
This study was not conducted with a large number of patients–only 42 people–and so further research is needed in this area, but the initial efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraines is off to a promising start.
Another of the recent benefits of coenzyme Q10 is this nutrient’s role in possibly slowing down macular degeneration in its early stages. This is fantastic news because age-related macular degneration is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60.
Some of this research was reported in the 2005 May Opthamologica journal, although it was found that other nutrients can also help improve age-related macular degeneration as well, such as acetly-L carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids.
Before this, other research has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin are two important nutrients for the eyes and macular degeneration as well.
The benefits of coenzyme Q10 is now also extending into cancer. It’s been reported that cancer sufferers often have low levels of this nutrient.
Therefore, research has been conducted to see if coenzyme Q10 supplementation would improve certain types of cancer because one of the functions of this nutrient is to boost the body’s immune response.
So far, the research on coenzyme Q10 is showing that when it is combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, beta carotene, the mineral selenium, and Omega 3 fatty acids, it may help patients with breast cancer. More studies need to be conducted to confirm these initial findings.
The last of the recent benefits of coenzyme Q10 indicate it may be helpful in fighting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. In fact, promising results were reported in the Archives of Neurology, in which patients in one study experienced a 44% less decline in mental function and movement as opposed to those who took placebo.
This was a government funded study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, which is a part of the larger National Institutes of Health.
As promising as all of these recent studies are, the good news is that coenzyme Q10 is also being studied for many other health conditions as well, ranging from male fertility, alleviating diabetic complications, improving memory, and much more.
Talk to a natural health expert for tips on choosing a quality coenzyme Q10 supplement — or any other promising supplement you wish to investigate.
Get unconventional and unique solutions for common health issues, and keep abreast of the latest benefits and dangers of nutritional supplements with our free newsletter. Claim your subscription now at: nutritional-supplement-info.com nutritional-supplement-info.com
It has also been touted by many natural health experts who point out that statin prescription drugs — which are used to lower cholesterol — also deplete the body of essential coenzyme Q10. Therefore, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 is particuarly important for statin users.
In Japan, Coenzyme Q10 is a hugely popular supplement and a significant percentage of the adult population uses it as a general anti-aging supplement.
But beyond these now well known facts, the latest research is indicating coenzyme Q10 has many other uses.
What is Coenzyme Q10 Used For
The efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraines is just one of the latest uses for this potent nutrient.
In the February 2005 issue of Neurology, a study was referenced that took place in Switzerland in which Coenzyme Q10 supplemention reduced migraine frequency by 27% in sufferers of this condition.
This study was not conducted with a large number of patients–only 42 people–and so further research is needed in this area, but the initial efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraines is off to a promising start.
Another of the recent benefits of coenzyme Q10 is this nutrient’s role in possibly slowing down macular degeneration in its early stages. This is fantastic news because age-related macular degneration is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60.
Some of this research was reported in the 2005 May Opthamologica journal, although it was found that other nutrients can also help improve age-related macular degeneration as well, such as acetly-L carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids.
Before this, other research has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin are two important nutrients for the eyes and macular degeneration as well.
The benefits of coenzyme Q10 is now also extending into cancer. It’s been reported that cancer sufferers often have low levels of this nutrient.
Therefore, research has been conducted to see if coenzyme Q10 supplementation would improve certain types of cancer because one of the functions of this nutrient is to boost the body’s immune response.
So far, the research on coenzyme Q10 is showing that when it is combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, beta carotene, the mineral selenium, and Omega 3 fatty acids, it may help patients with breast cancer. More studies need to be conducted to confirm these initial findings.
The last of the recent benefits of coenzyme Q10 indicate it may be helpful in fighting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. In fact, promising results were reported in the Archives of Neurology, in which patients in one study experienced a 44% less decline in mental function and movement as opposed to those who took placebo.
This was a government funded study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, which is a part of the larger National Institutes of Health.
As promising as all of these recent studies are, the good news is that coenzyme Q10 is also being studied for many other health conditions as well, ranging from male fertility, alleviating diabetic complications, improving memory, and much more.
Talk to a natural health expert for tips on choosing a quality coenzyme Q10 supplement — or any other promising supplement you wish to investigate.
Get unconventional and unique solutions for common health issues, and keep abreast of the latest benefits and dangers of nutritional supplements with our free newsletter. Claim your subscription now at: nutritional-supplement-info.com nutritional-supplement-info.com
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