Ciliatech releases new design of Cilioscleral Interpositioning Device

Ciliatech, an ophthalmology medtech company developing a new implant to treat glaucoma durably, has released a new design of its CID (Cilioscleral Interpositioning Device), following the filing of additional patents strengthening its IP (Intellectual Property). 

CID is the unique glaucoma surgical device used in the cilioscleral technique to lower IOP (intraocular pressure) while preserving the anterior chamber of the eye, which in turn avoids serious medical complications, notably Endothelial Cell Loss (ECL) or a filtration bleb. The cilioscleral technique is also unique in its ability to treat the two main types of glaucoma: open angle or angle-closure (narrow angle).

The new patents protect modifications in the shape and geometry of CID, principally to further improve its performance and safety. This second-generation CID, currently in clinical trials, makes the cilioscleral technique less invasive and traumatic to the eye; the conjunctiva is better protected, and incisions are smaller.

Philippe Sourdille, co-founder of Ciliatech and inventor of CID, said: “We are highly satisfied with the performance of our second-generation of CID. We redesigned it to provide an unequalled safety profile, and enhanced IOP reduction and maintenance, without medication over time. The new CID improves the very positive results we already achieved with our first-generation device across all aspects: performance, safety, surgical technique, and post-op medication. This shows that Ciliatech has progressed in understanding the key underlying mechanisms monitoring aqueous humour circulation. We are identifying important parameters that leverage clinical outcomes. This is the CID design we will file for CE marking and will introduce to the market in 2025.”

Ciliatech secured patents on revisions to the shape of the CID implant to improve both the water collection from the anterior chamber and its circulation down to drainage channels. The overall size was slightly modified to allow smaller incisions and reduce the invasiveness of the procedure.

Preliminary results in a 12-month clinical study (SAFARI III) of 57 patients fitted with the new design have shown that this second-generation CID tends to deliver better IOP control, 13.9mmHg compared to 15.1mmHg in earlier studies (SAFARI I & II) using the first-generation model. Ciliatech says that this is significant, particularly when post-op IOPs are already in the low teens. In the SAFARI III 12-month results, more than 85% of patients reported being medication free.

For surgeons, this new model makes the cilioscleral procedure quicker (less than 15 minutes) and easier to perform, further reducing the learning curve. CID can be used similarly to a MIGS (Minimally Invasiveness Glaucoma Surgery) device in patients with open angle glaucoma. Unlike MIGS, it can be used to treat primary angle closure glaucoma, where patients have a two-fold greater risk of vision loss during their lifetime, without the need to remove the lens.

Olivier Benoit, CEO of Ciliatech, said: “With stronger IOP reduction, this second-generation CID may also be beneficial for more advanced glaucoma cases, helping a larger number of patients to postpone the need for traditional incisional approaches.”

Ciliatech’s CID is a non-resorbable implant which remains in place for the patient’s lifetime. It is a single piece of 26% hydrophilic acrylic, a raw material widely used in the manufacturing of intra-ocular lenses, which ensures long-term biocompatibility. The device consists of a specifically designed 6mm large, 3.5mm wide and 500µm thick plate. The anterior edge contains several contact points aimed at adapting to the natural variation of patient-to-patient iris diameter.