Maculaser develops a non-damaging retinal treatment utilizing patented, temperature-controlled local heating to activate natural cellular defense mechanisms. This personalized therapy targets the prevention and treatment of blinding eye diseases like AMD and macular edemas by augmenting cell survival beyond symptom management. The technology aims to significantly diminish long-term care needs for patients while conserving healthcare resources.
Funding
$2.9M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for retinal diseases often involve late-stage interventions, such as drug injections, which address symptoms rather than the underlying causes and can have systemic side effects. Existing laser therapies may also cause damage to delicate retinal tissues if not precisely controlled. This creates a need for earlier, safer, and more personalized interventions to prevent disease progression and vision loss.
Solution
Maculaser is developing a technology platform for retinal restoration that uses temperature-controlled laser therapy to activate the natural defense mechanisms of targeted cells. The non-damaging retinal heating triggers a heat shock response, stimulating the production of heat shock proteins, activating autophagy, and enhancing antioxidant systems to repair damaged cellular components and promote retinal rejuvenation. The system employs electroretinography (ERG)-based control algorithms for active retinal temperature monitoring, ensuring safe and consistent treatments tailored to individual patient characteristics and retinal locations. Maculaser's non-contact solution aims to diminish long-term care needs, prevent disease progression, and improve the quality of life for patients with macular issues.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes healthcare professionals specializing in ophthalmology and retinal care, as well as medical professionals and investors interested in supporting the development and commercialization of innovative retinal treatment solutions.
Features
- Patented temperature-controlled retinal heating for safe and consistent treatments
- Electroretinography (ERG)-based control algorithms for active retinal temperature monitoring
- Non-contact lens for directing treatment beams to the fundus
- Automated pupil tracking to ensure correct device alignment and halt treatment upon detection of excessive eye movements
- Personalized heat exposure to trigger the natural healing response of senescent cells
- Integration of innovative photonic technologies to enhance treatment outcomes