Health & Beauty

Pixium Vision Gets Clinical Trial Approval from Spanish Ministry of Health for 150 Electrode IrisII Bionic Vision System

Pixium Vision has received approval from the Spanish Ministry of Health for clinical trial with the IRISII bionic vision system for patients who have lost sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).

According to a release, the IRISII system features include a mini bio-inspired camera and a 150-electrode epi-retinal implant with an explantable design.

Barcelona's Institute of Ocular Microsurgery IMO (Spain) joins the expanding network of centres of excellence in Europe involved in the clinical trial with IRISII. The Institute of Ocular Microsurgery is a ophthalmology center dedicated to the treatment of ocular diseases and the correction of vision. Patients in Spain will have the opportunity to participate in this European clinical trial.

Prof. Borja Corcostegui, Founder and Medical Director of the Institute of Ocular Microsurgery, IMO, a vitroretinal surgeon and the trial's principal investigator in Spain, said: "We are delighted to participate in the clinical trial with IRISII and become the first site in Spain. Patients blind from outer retinal degeneration in Spain can consider participation in assessing the innovative bionic vision system designed to regain a form of visual perception. Participation in clinical trials with innovative treatment options is essential for ophthalmology reference centres such as IMO. The partnership with Pixium Vision to develop solutions for retinal dystrophies, such as RP and, in the near future, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is consistent with our continuous commitment to offer cutting-edge treatment options to our patients."

Khalid Ishaque, CEO of Pixium Vision, said: "The approval of the clinical trial now in Spain reinforces our confidence in the IRISII, our first bionic vision system. Today, Pixium Vision is the only company developing an epi-retinal implant system for retinitis pigmentosa, and a sub-retinal wireless photovoltaic implant for AMD patients. We are proud to initiate this clinical collaboration in Spain with the internationally renowned Institute of Ocular Microsurgery, IMO."

In July 2016, Pixium Vision also received EU market approval for IRISII. Available under medical prescription, the bionic vision system offers a new treatment option to patients with retinitis pigmentosa. The Company can now also pursue reimbursement with the national healthcare systems. The ongoing prospective multi-centre clinical study protocol being conducted across several European ophthalmology reference centres, further enables building longer term evidence for the system performance.

More information:

www.imo.es/en

www.pixium-vision.com

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

THE DAILY VIEW

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for Spring

    Sarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.

    The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.

    "Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.

    Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.

    The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading. 

    The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.

    "Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."

    As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection. 

    To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.

    The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.

    More Information:
    http://www.Gilt.com/SJP

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ Collection

    Convenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.

    The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.

    "The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."

    Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.

    According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.

    Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.

 

 

QUICK 5


Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.

Among other insights, the roundup revealed:

  1. Labor Day was the busiest weekend for car rental
  2. Disney Theme Parks topped the list of things to do
  3. The average hotel stay was two nights
  4. Top destinations based on 2017 air travel included major global cities like New York, London and Bangkok
  5. Popular tourist destinations included Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas