Y.ora Vision, Inc., a new ophthalmic medical device company and spoke company of Eyexora, has announced the signing of a licensing agreement between the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) and Eyexora Global to advance a minimally invasive surgical device for the treatment of mild-to-severe open-angle glaucoma.
The licensed technology, developed by SERI researchers and co-inventors Associate Professor Shamira Perera and Professor Michael Belkin, forms the foundation of Y.ora Vision’s proprietary platform (YRA-01), based on a minimally invasive surgical (MIGS) device designed to perform multiple trabeculotomies for mild-to-severe Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) — a next-generation surgical approach designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) safely, effectively, and without the need for permanent implants.
YRA-01, a hand-held device that could leverage common equipment in the ophthalmic surgical suite, has the potential to lower IOP in a procedure that can be completed in under 10 minutes and delivers real-time feedback for surgeons. The extent of IOP lowering can potentially be determined by the number of penetrations created and also has the potential to be repeated.
Glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, affecting more than 80 million people, with 70% diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Current surgical treatment options often fall short due to high costs, safety risks, steep learning curves, limited availability and limited efficacy.
The technology originated from collaborative research at SERI, one of the world’s leading ophthalmic research institutions. “This innovation builds upon years of work at SERI as well as clinical expertise in MIGS and reflects our commitment to translational research that directly improves patient outcomes and delivers a very forgiving surgery that is easily accessible to anyone who can perform phacoemulsification,” said Associate Professor Shamira Perera, MD, Co-Inventor and Head ＆ Senior Consultant, Glaucoma Department, Singapore National Eye Centre. “The simplicity of the device enables precise and easy tissue removal with collateral minimal trauma, making it a compelling new option for glaucoma surgeons, cataract surgeons and patients.”
