Second Sight Medical (NSDQ:EYES) said today it entered the Russian market, with the 1st patient treated with its Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System in Moscow.
The Argus II induces visual perception in blind patients with retinitis pigmentosa by stimulating of the retina’s remaining cells with electrical pulses, which allows for the perception of light patterns to the brain, the Sylmar, Calif.-based company said.
The 1st implant was performed at the Federal State Institution & Clinical Research Center of the Federal Medico-Biological Agency at the end of June 2017 by a team of surgeons, with Dr. Paulo Stanga of the U.K.’s Manchester Royal Eye Hospital proctoring.
“This first implant in Russia represents an important step as we seek to expand our global presence and make the Argus II available to more blind individuals worldwide. We are excited about the long-term potential of new markets, like Russia as well as our recent entry into South Korea and Taiwan,” CEO Will McGuire said in a press release.
Second Sight said that the Medical Equipment Trading Company acts as exclusive distribution partner in the region, and helped facilitate the 1st implantation.
Earlier this month, Second Sight said its Argus II retinal prosthesis system won expanded reimbursement coverage from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 11 additional states and the District of Columbia.
