Quantel Medical Gets CE Mark for New Ophthalmic Laser Therapy

Quantel Medical received CE Mark for its Vitra PDT photodynamic therapy laser platform for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal
vasculopathy (PCV) and central serous retinopathy (CSR). Quantel—which company officials claim is the sole manufacturer of this laser technology—plans to begin selling the laser platform immediately in countries requiring CE registration.

PCV, a disease of the choroidal vasculature, is present in both men and woman of many ethnicities, characterized by detachments of the pigmented epithelium and exudative changes that can commonly lead to subretinal fibrosis. It is reported to be prevalent in 20 percent to 50 percent of Asian patients with presumed neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and in 4 percent to 12 percent of caucasians. However, it is currently believed that the true prevalence of disease is underreported, and, accordingly, additional demand for treatment modalities is anticipated, according to the company.

Studies have demonstrated excellent short-term efficacy of PDT for treating PCV.

CSR, also known as central serous chorioretinopathy, is an eye disease that causes visual impairment, often temporary, usually in one eye. When the disorder is active, it is characterized by leakage of fluid under the retina that has a propensity to accumulate under the central macula.

“Quantel is currently the sole provider of a laser approved to treat these two very serious retinal conditions,” commented Jean- Marc Gendre, CEO of Quantel Medical. “This comes at an opportune moment, as demand for PDT treatment technologies is expected to increase as the disease’s true prevalence is realized. We’re confident that our world-class laser technology will provide ophthalmologists a quality, cost-effective solution, and are excited to begin commercialization in Europe and Asia. This product development, supported by Novartis will propose an updated solution for current and future PDT users.”

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Quantel Medical is a global ophthalmic medical device company. Its products are available through direct sales operations in the United States and France, and through independent distributors in more than 80 countries. Quantel Medical is a division of Quantel, a developer of solid-state lasers for scientific and industrial applications.