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Avisi Technologies Presents Encouraging Results of VisiPlate®

At the recently held American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting in 2025, Avisi Technologies, a pioneering ophthalmic medical device company, disclosed significant twelve-month clinical data on their innovative VisiPlate® Aqueous Shunt. This advancement in sight-saving technology has shown remarkable promise for patients suffering from Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG).

Overview of the VITA Trial

The insightful presentation was delivered by Dr. Jonathan Myers, the Chief of Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital, affiliated with Thomas Jefferson University. The VITA Trial, a carefully designed prospective pilot study, aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the VisiPlate® device by involving three implanting surgeons across three clinical centers in South Africa. This trial treated a total of 15 patients who had been diagnosed with OAG and had no previous history of filtration surgery.

The surgical procedure involved the unilateral implantation of the shunt through an ab externo standalone approach, highlighting the device's innovative technology. The results are astounding; participants began with an average diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) of 24.1 ± 6.2 mmHg and were using an average of 2.0 ± 1.5 glaucoma medications.

Key Clinical Findings

After a twelve-month follow-up, the mean diurnal IOP decreased dramatically to 13.1 ± 2.6 mmHg, accompanied by a significant reduction in the average use of glaucoma medications down to 1.3 ± 1.5. Notably, 46.7% of the participating subjects were medication-free by the end of the follow-up period. Additionally, the study reported zero serious adverse events, and all patients maintained their vision without any persistent loss.

Patient-Centric Insights

During the presentation, Dr. Myers showcased individual patient cases utilizing slit lamp and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images to highlight the precise placement of VisiPlate® within the eye. One of the standout features of this device is its ability to avoid contact with crucial anterior chamber structures, such as the iris and cornea. This results in low-lying and diffuse blebs, minimizing postoperative complications and burdens for patients.

The overarching conclusion from Dr. Myers emphasized VisiPlate®'s tubeless design and its potential as a standardized solution for lowering IOP in OAG patients. The device's effectiveness, along with its safety profile, proposes a significant leap forward in glaucoma surgery, potentially reducing the need for complex postoperative management.

About VisiPlate®

The VisiPlate® aqueous shunt is crafted from a unique patented metamaterial that performs exceptionally well in preventing fibrosis and is significantly thinner than a human hair. This shunt is meticulously designed to be both doctor and patient-friendly, ensuring ease of implantation along with longevity, comfort, and aesthetic considerations. Featuring multiple redundant microchannels, VisiPlate® facilitates sustained aqueous flow and significantly mitigates the risk of blockage—a common issue with current glaucoma surgical solutions.

In the United States, VisiPlate® is under investigation through the SAPPHIRE Trial as it strives for FDA approval, marking its importance on the path to revolutionizing glaucoma treatment.

Glaucoma and Treatment Landscape

Glaucoma is recognized as the foremost cause of irreversible blindness globally, impacting over 103 million individuals, according to the 2021 Glaucoma Surgical Device Market Report by Market Scope. Unfortunately, this condition is often asymptomatic, making early detection and intervention crucial. As fluid accumulation in the eye leads to heightened pressure on the optic nerve, it poses a severe risk of permanent vision loss. Treatments for glaucoma encompass a diverse range, including medications, lasers, surgeries, and medical device interventions, yet many treatments depend on patient compliance and can have varying success rates over time.

There exists a critical demand for innovative, safe, and effective long-term treatments that enhance patient outcomes and significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by glaucoma.

About Avisi Technologies

Avisi Technologies is a rapidly emerging clinical-stage medical device company focusing on enhancing vision care through groundbreaking ophthalmic solutions. Their impressive product lineup includes the VisiPlate® aqueous shunt, the V-001 intraocular drug-delivery system, and the VisiPlate-S drainage device designed for timely cataract surgeries. Supported by prestigious organizations, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Glaucoma Research Foundation, Avisi is advancing its mission to elevate glaucoma treatment methodologies, backed by venture capital, angel investors, and scientific grants.

Investigational devices like VisiPlate® underscore Avisi's commitment to reimagining glaucoma therapy. As these innovative solutions progress through clinical trials, the future of glaucoma treatment looks increasingly promising.