Allotex Inc., an ophthalmic biologics and device company developing therapeutic solutions to treat presbyopia, hyperopia and myopia, and 3D-Micromac, a leading supplier of laser micromachining systems for the photovoltaic, electronics and medical device markets, today announced they have entered into a master cooperative agreement.
The two companies will work together to develop and market a laser system for precisely shaping human corneal allografts used to create natural lenses, which can be administered in an outpatient visit.
Made from human collagen, Allotex's natural allograft lenses can be used to treat the most common refractive errors that cause people to need vision correction. To be implanted successfully, these lenses must be produced to exacting dimensions much smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
Under the agreement, 3D-Micromac will design, develop and produce - exclusively for Allotex - a high-precision, compact excimer laser system for machining the lenses. Allotex will handle sales and marketing of the system to ophthalmologists and ophthalmic clinics.
3D-Micromac's laser micromachining expertise and system know-how will play a key role in the manufacture of these precision lenses.
We have been working with 3D-Micromac for over a year on the initial prototype development. It was clear from the start that 3D-Micromac has the right technology, experience and approach to make our partnership a success. With this agreement, we have set the stage for what we anticipate will be a highly successful commercial rollout of our mutual technologies.
Dr. David Muller, Allotex CEO
3D-Micromac will deliver the first prototype, developed in conjunction with Allotex experts, to the Allotex R&D facility in Zurich, Switzerland, in January 2017, with a second system slated for delivery to Allotex's commercial facility in Boston, Mass. Allotex expects to begin European trials in the second quarter of 2017 and commercial rollout of 3D-Micromac's laser systems and Allotex lenses in early 2018.
We view Allotex's innovative lens technology as the future of permanent eye correction. We look forward to creating a unique success story by combining their potentially life-changing technology with our laser micromachining expertise.
Tino Petsch, CEO of 3D-Micromac
About Allotex Inc.
Allotex Inc. is developing a line of allograft corneal inlays and onlays that will address all refractive needs. It was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Muller and Prof. Michael Mrochen. Dr. Muller was the founder and CEO of Summit Technology, the first laser vision correction company approved by the FDA and Avedro, Inc., the first company to get FDA approval for corneal cross linking. Dr. Mrochen was the founder of IROC AG and has been at the forefront in the development of a number of important ophthalmic diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Allotex has developed significant intellectual property, and exclusive supply arrangements with key contractors. The company's products address markets with large unmet needs and is the only company currently developing natural allograft tissue for refractive procedures including the treatment of presbyopia, hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism.
About 3D-Micromac
Founded in 2002, 3D-Micromac AG is the industry leader in laser micromachining, delivering powerful, user-friendly and leading edge processes with superior production efficiency. We develop processes, machines and turnkey solutions at the highest technical and technological level. 3D-Micromac systems and services have been successfully implemented in various high-tech industries worldwide including photovoltaic, semiconductor, glass and display industries, micro diagnostics, and medical technology. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.3d-micromac.com