Glaukos said today that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare approved its iStent device for treating glaucoma.
Orange County, California-based Glaukos announced that the approval indicates use of the device, along with cataract surgery, makes it the first micro-invasive glaucoma surgery in Japan. The device is inserted into the eye using a small corneal incision through the Schlemm’s canal. Using this method allows the eye to continue draining fluid and relieving pressure.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Glaukos received pre-market approval for the iStent from the FDA back in 2012 – the first of its kind to do so in the United States, and according to the company’s website, this is actuall the smallest device to be approved by the FDA thus far.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide – the global market for a device like this is promising. The company plans to have iStent commercially available in Japan within the year.
Photo: Flickr user Eric May
