Second Sight Medical (NSDQ:EYES) said today it won reimbursement coverage for its Argus II epiretinal prosthesis from the German Institute for the Hospital Renumeration System, covering 15 hospitals in the group’s NUB1 innovation program.
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 company said.
The decision will allow approved hospitals to negotiate reimbursement for treating patients with advanced stage retinitis pigmentosa with the Argus II system with health insurance companies that cover more than 85% of Germany’s population, Sylmar, Calif.-based Second Sight said.
“This NUB renewal is a significant endorsement of the strong interest of German ophthalmologists to help blind patients restore some of their vision. We look forward to collaborating with leaders in the ophthalmic and patient community who are committed to help patients living with blindness as a result of severe diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa,” Prez & CEO Will McGuire said in a press release.
The decision is valid for 1 year and can be renewed through application, Second Sight said.
Last December, Second Sight said that the U.K.’s National Health Service granted reimbursement for the company’s Argus II retinal prosthesis system.
The U.K.’s NHS said that “a selective group of severely blind patients with retinits pigementosa can have access to the Argus II,” according to Second Sight.
