Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak founded Science, which unveiled its Science Eye brain-computer platform in 2022. The Science Eye is a visual prosthesis. It targets retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), two forms of serious blindness.
The company now owns the retinal implant technology developed by Pixium Vision as well. France-based Pixium Vision said last fall that it was looking for a potential buyer.
The Prima System, a photovoltaic substitute of photoreceptors, already has FDA breakthrough device designation. It provides simultaneous use of the central prosthetic and peripheral natural vision. The company designed the implant for patients with atrophic dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It features a miniaturized, wireless, subretinal implant paired with a pocket computer and glasses.
Hodak, Science’s CEO, said Prima gives Science another opportunity to develop BCI technology for the potential restoration of vision.
Outgoing Pixium CEO Lloyd Diamond said Prima now has a home “with people equally skilled and dedicated to helping patients.” As part of a proceeding in the Paris Commercial Court, the deal was approved after Pixium went into liquidation. The companies declined to announce terms.
“Science is now developing advanced innovative products using two very different modalities,” Hodak said. “This transaction significantly expands our IP portfolio, and while we were strongly motivated in this acquisition by the potential of the Prima implant, we also felt that the patients enrolled in the Pixium clinical trials could not be left hanging. Now, we will be able to provide continuity and a future for the program. We look forward to working with them.”
