Ciliatech Company Profile

Background

Ciliatech, founded in 2017 and headquartered near Annecy, France, is a medtech company specializing in ophthalmology. The company is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for glaucoma treatment, focusing on creating durable implants with minimal adverse effects.

Key Strategic Focus

Ciliatech's primary objective is to revolutionize glaucoma surgery through its proprietary implant, the Intercil® Uveal Spacer. This device is designed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) without penetrating the anterior chamber or creating subconjunctival filtration, thereby mitigating common complications associated with traditional glaucoma surgeries. The company targets both open-angle and narrow-angle glaucoma patients, aiming to provide a safer and more effective treatment option.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, Ciliatech has raised a total of €6 million (approximately $6.5 million). In April 2023, the company secured €3.5 million in a Series A funding round, comprising €1.75 million in capital and €1.75 million in bank loans. Notable investors include BNP Paribas Développement, Kreaxi, and Bernard Chauvin. The funds are intended to advance the development of the Intercil® Uveal Spacer, initiate clinical trials in Europe, and pursue CE mark approval by the end of 2024.

Pipeline Development

Ciliatech's flagship product, the Intercil® Uveal Spacer, has undergone multiple clinical trials:

SAFARI I and II Trials: These trials involved 42 patients with open-angle glaucoma. At the 24-month follow-up, results showed a mean IOP reduction of 38%, with 81% of patients achieving IOP ≤18 mmHg. Additionally, 85% of patients were free from glaucoma medications.

SAFARI III Trial: This study included 57 patients with both open and narrow-angle glaucoma. Preliminary 12-month results indicated a 41% reduction in IOP and a 92% decrease in medication dependence, with 86% of patients remaining medication-free.

These trials demonstrate the device's efficacy and safety, supporting its potential as a groundbreaking treatment for glaucoma.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Ciliatech's innovation lies in its development of the Intercil® Uveal Spacer, a Cilioscleral Interpositioning Device (CID). Unlike traditional implants, the CID is placed between the ciliary body and the sclera without entering the anterior chamber, preserving the eye's natural anatomy and reducing the risk of complications. The second-generation CID is made of 26% hydrophilic acrylic, a biocompatible material commonly used in ophthalmic surgery.

Leadership Team

Olivier Benoit, Co-founder and CEO: With over 25 years of experience in medtech, Benoit has held roles in manufacturing, operations, technical development, sales and marketing, QA and regulatory affairs, and product and business development. He co-founded Ciliatech in 2017.

Dr. Philippe Sourdille, Co-founder and Medical Director: A seasoned ophthalmic surgeon with over 50 years of experience, Dr. Sourdille has been instrumental in developing various glaucoma surgical approaches and holds 14 patents in ophthalmology.

Sahil Syed, Global Vice President, Sales & Marketing: Joined Ciliatech in January 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in ophthalmology, including leadership roles at Novartis, Allergan (AbbVie), and Alcon.

Stephanie C. Jones, Global Vice President, Clinical and Medical Affairs: Joined in September 2024, with 17 years dedicated to ophthalmology, including roles at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and Ora Inc.

Lauranne Rieger, Director of Research and Development and Regulatory Affairs: Leads the R&D and regulatory affairs efforts at Ciliatech.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, Ciliatech expanded its leadership team with the appointments of Sahil Syed as Global Vice President of Sales & Marketing in January and Stephanie C. Jones as Global Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs in September.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The glaucoma surgical device market is experiencing significant growth, projected to increase from $824 million in 2023 to $1.67 billion in 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15%. Despite this growth, only 2.3% of diagnosed glaucoma patients underwent surgery in 2023, a figure expected to rise to 3.7% by 2028 due to advancements in safer and more effective surgical devices.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the glaucoma treatment space include:

iSTAR Medical: Develops minimally invasive implants for glaucoma treatment.

Glaukos: Specializes in micro-invasive glaucoma surgery devices.

Alcon: Offers a range of ophthalmic surgical products, including glaucoma implants.

Santen: Provides pharmaceutical and surgical solutions for eye diseases, including glaucoma.

These companies focus on various technologies and approaches to glaucoma treatment, contributing to a competitive and rapidly evolving market landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Ciliatech has established a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) advisory board comprising internationally recognized glaucoma surgeons. This board provides guidance on the latest developments in ophthalmic and glaucoma surgery, aiding in the clinical and commercial strategy for the Intercil® Uveal Spacer.

Operational Insights

Ciliatech's strategic focus on developing a novel, minimally invasive glaucoma implant positions it uniquely in the market. By avoiding penetration of the anterior chamber, the Intercil® Uveal Spacer addresses common complications associated with traditional surgeries, offering a distinct competitive advantage.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Ciliatech aims to achieve CE mark approval for the Intercil® Uveal Spacer by the end of 2024, with plans for a European launch in the first half of 2025. The company is also exploring expansion into the U.S. and Asian markets, recognizing the significant demand for innovative glaucoma treatments in these regions.