Eyesight-restoring Science Corp retina chip goes on sale in Europe
Science Corp is also working on brain implants.
Image by Science Corp.
- Science Corp will begin selling its Prima retina chip in Europe, with the first implant planned in Germany in August.
- The chip, paired with special glasses, helped 26 of 32 trial patients regain enough vision to read letters, numbers, and words.
- Prima targets advanced age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy, conditions that cause central vision loss in many older adults.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
California-based company Science Corp will begin selling a retina chip that restores eyesight for some people in Europe, with plans to bring the device to the US market next year.
The retina chip could help people with age-related blindness, and the first implant is expected in August. Called Prima, the chip would be positioned in the back of the eye and, along with a pair of special glasses, would allow blind people to regain some vision.
The Prima implant has received a CE mark, allowing it to be sold in Europe as it complies with the EU’s safety, health, and environmental standards.
The CE mark was given to the company after research showed that the device improved vision in 26 of 32 patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration.
It was learned that the device enabled patients to see letters, numbers, and words.
The Prima implant could be used to treat geographic atrophy, which causes permanent blind spots and central vision loss. It’s a common disease among older adults.
The first patient will receive the implant in August in Germany, Max Hodak, CEO of Science Corp, told Bloomberg.
He also revealed that the company is already working on establishing payment arrangements in different countries.
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It’s not yet clear how much the chip will cost, but the price will depend on the location and insurance companies.
Science Corp expects to install the chip into dozens of patients in 2026 and about 200 in 2027.
The company expects approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to release the device to the American market next year.
Science Corp is also working on brain implants and is the second-most-valuable brain implant company after Elon Musk’s Neuralink.
