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Scientists Develop a “Contact Lens” Patch To Treat Eye Diseases
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a new device for delivering drugs to the eye for treating diseases such as macular degeneration.
The research team, led by Professor Chen Peng of the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, published their results in the November issue of Nature Communications.
The device could be an alternative to injections, which carry an infection risk, and eye drops, which get washed away by tears and have difficulty penetrating the eye’s defenses. “These two current methods only produce a burst release of drug with a short effective duration,” said Chen. “This is not ideal, especially when treating chronic progressive eye diseases that require slow and sustained treatment, such as glaucoma.”
The new approach the team developed to treating eye diseases consists of a small (2 millimetre by 2 millimetre), contact lens-like patch that is covered in nine biodegradable microneedles. The needles are made from hyaluronic acid, a chemical that is found naturally in the eye, and a common ingredient of eye drops.
The patch is applied similarly to a contact lens and pressed onto the eye “briefly and gently.” The microneedles then detach themselves into the cornea, where they deliver medication at a controlled rate. Because the needles are made of a biodegradable material, they eventually dissolve away.
“The microneedles are made of a substance found naturally in the body, and we have shown in lab tests on mice that they are painless and minimally invasive,” said Professor Chen. “If we successfully replicate the same results in human trials, the patch could become a good option for eye diseases that require long-term management at home, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.“
Chen said that his team has filed a patent for the technology and are currently looking for clinicians to study the feasibility of medical trials.
Safilo and Missoni Announce Their New Multi Year Licensing Agreement
Safilo and Missoni, one of the best known and loved Italian fashion and design brands, announce their new five-year global eyewear licensing agreements for Missoni and M Missoni, renewable at the same conditions up to 2029.
The new Missoni and M Missoni eyewear collections will hit the market in January 2020 and will be anticipated by a digital communication campaign to unveil step by step the new products.
“The Missoni and M Missoni brands are such a perfect fit in our portfolio. We share with these iconic Italian brands the same values of visionary design, tradition, and excellence in manufacturing,” says Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group. “At Safilo we can furthermore draw on our extensive archive, rich in inspiration thanks to our previous collaboration, thereby ensuring forward momentum to further support the brands’ global distribution and important business development for both our Companies.”
“We are honoured and proud to be working with Safilo once again, it represents a reunion of sorts as Safilo was our first-ever eyewear licensee in the ‘80s. Safilo is an Italian manufacturer that has a long tradition and strong expertise in its craftsmanship. From a creative perspective, I’ve always loved this product category and cannot wait to see all the diverse elements of the Missoni style developed in this new eyewear collaboration,” says Angela Missoni, Chairman and Creative Director of Missoni Group.
Michele Norsa, Industrial Partner of FSI and Vice-Chairman of Missoni, adds: “It’s an important partnership that contributes to our goal of adding further value to the brands, while giving a tangible boost to our business plan development, widening its potential of growth. With Safilo and the new eyewear collections, Missoni reinforces its brand position in the fashion and luxury industry with a global reach and well articulated product range that appeals to worldwide consumers.”
Source: Safilo
Introducing MCM Eyewear’s New Vintage Collection
MCM’s disruptive design approach sets the tone for a new eyewear collection where classic inspiration meets high-tech sophistication. Top of the line materials, sleek finishings and sharp metallic details are masterfully crafted to enhance the glamorous impact of every style, while continuously playing with dramatic proportions and alluring chromatic effects.
MCM672SA
Inspired by the iconic MCM MUNCHEN A10 style, these mask-style sunglasses combine a vintage mood with high-tech design in a magnified shape enhanced with a laminated front and lasered MCM logo upon the lens. The frame is enriched with a logo-engraved gold metal plaque on the cutout temples. Available in Black, Black/Havana, Havana/Olive and Wine/Marble Wine.
Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com
Zeiss Achieves Record Revenue
Zeiss Group revenue for the fiscal year 2017/18 increased by nine percent to a record 5.8 billion Euros, according to the Annual Report released on Dec. 18. The revenue increase was 12 percent after currency adjustments.
“All ZEISS segments and regions contributed to this outstanding result. Our innovative products for the semiconductor industry and medical technology in particular ensured significantly greater, above-market growth dynamics,” said Michael Kaschke, President of Zeiss.
The consumer markets segment that includes vision care and consumer products grew at an above-market rate (+5% after currency adjustment) in most markets. Revenue from Zeiss-branded eyeglass lenses increased most in China, Brazil, other emerging economies and Europe. The Annual Report cites USA as a market presenting a particular challenge due to competitive pressures including “high price pressure.” Against this backdrop, the Consumer Products business will undergo “necessary reorganization measures” to optimize the cost structure.
Growth was strongest in the semiconductor manufacturing segment at +26%.
Zeiss group generated 90 percent of its 2017/18 revenue outside of Germany. The company’s revenue grew by 5 percent in the Americas region.
“Even if, in light of the economic forecast, momentum in the segments and regions will vary, we anticipate continued organic growth overall with a stable EBIT margin. With our consistent focus on innovations, investments and expansion, we have our sights set squarely on our goal of achieving six billion in revenue,” said Kaschke.
The full annual report is available here.
