Science Corporation, a U.S.-based brain-computer interface innovator, recently announced promising early results from a clinical trial of its PRIMA retina implant. This implant aims to restore functional vision in individuals who have lost their central visual field due to conditions such as geographic atrophy (GA), a severe form of age-related macular degeneration.
The trial, named PRIMAvera, involved 38 patients diagnosed with GA, all of whom underwent surgical implantation of the PRIMA retina device. This advanced visual prosthesis, embedded under the retina, works in conjunction with a specially designed pair of glasses equipped with a camera and projection system, which sends processed images to a pocket processor for clarity and magnification. As a result, participants experienced restored real-form vision, a breakthrough that could lead to the implant’s approval in European markets if successful.
Science Corp CEO Max Hodak shared his enthusiasm. He said: “To my knowledge, this is the first time that restoration of the ability to fluently read has ever been definitively shown in blind patients. This represents an enormous turning point for the field, and we’re incredibly excited to bring this important technology to market over the next few years.”
The PRIMAvera study measured the visual acuity of participants six and twelve months post-implantation using the logMAR scoring system. Results revealed significant improvements, with patients able to identify letters, numbers, and words, regaining previously unattainable visual functionality.
“The results demonstrate a milestone in the treatment of severe vision loss caused by geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration. For the first time, it was possible to restore real-form vision in a retina that has deteriorated due to age-related macular degeneration,” Frank Holz, the study’s scientific coordinator, emphasized.
With an estimated one million GA cases in the United States and 160,000 new cases annually, as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this development offers hope to many affected individuals.
While other companies like Nexalin are exploring different brain implant technologies, Science Corporation’s PRIMA device is positioned as a revolutionary tool in the fight against age-related visual impairment.