Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak founded Science, which unveiled its Science Eye BCI platform in 2022. The Science Eye is a visual prosthesis that targets retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), two forms of serious blindness. Science featured on MassDevice‘s list of BCI companies you need to know in 2024.
The company owns the Prima retinal implant technology developed by Pixium Vision as well. 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.
Science 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.
About the results from the Science Corp. study
Results from the preliminary clinical trials came from 38 patients suffering from geographic atrophy (GA). Outcomes demonstrated that Prima restored “real form” vision in patients who lost their central visual field. This allowed them to execute useful, high-acuity tasks like reading or recognizing faces. After receiving a Prima implant, patients could read with a clinically meaningful improvement, including the ability to recognize letters.
Science said in a news release that it designed the study to demonstrate Prima’s safety and efficacy in pursuit of CE mark.
Dr. Frank Holz served as the scientific coordinator of the PRIMAvera study. He said this marked the first time it was possible to restore real-form vision in a retina that deteriorated due to AMD.
“Prior to this, there have been no real treatment options to improve vision for these patients,” Holz added.
Hodak added: “To my knowledge, this is the first time that restoration of the ability to fluently read has ever been definitively shown in blind patients. This represents an enormous turning point for the field, and we’re incredibly excited to bring this important technology to market over the next few years.”
