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Duke University Eye Center Performs First Cataract Surgeries using the ReSure SealantBEDFORD, Mass. --(Business Wire)-- Terry Kim, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Eye Center, performed the first procedures using the ReSure Sealant on his cataract patients in Durham, North Carolina. The ReSure Sealant is the first FDA-approved sealant for ophthalmic use to seal incisions following cataract surgery. "This novel technology represents a paradigm shift in wound closure for our patients. For quite some time, sutures were the only approved option for certainty of wound closure, but they can produce undesirable adverse events and require removal," stated Dr. Kim. "The ReSure Sealant not only seals incisions better than sutures with far fewer side effects, it also provides physicians with peace of mind that their wounds are secure." The ReSure Sealant is a patented polyethylene glycol-based (PEG) hydrogel which is indicated for intraoperative management of clear corneal incisions (up to 3.5mm) with a demonstrated would leak for which a temporary dry surface can be achieved in order to prevent postoperative fluid egress from such incisions following cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) placeent in adults. Applied as a liquid, the material gels on the surface of the eye within seconds to seal the wound and prevent fluid egress. The material is designed to stay on the incision in the immediate post-operative period when wounds are most vulnerable, after which it gently sloughs off in the patient's tears. "We are thrilled that we are able to provide ophthalmologists a more reliable and effective method to seal clear corneal cataract incisions," stated Amar Sawhney, PhD, President and CEO of Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. "We look forward to bringing the product to surgeons nationwide." About Cataract Surgery: Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States, with approximately 3.5 million procedures conducted annually (Market Scope, 2013). Clear corneal cataract wound leaks are widely thought to be a contributing factor to some post-surgical complications. Presently, ophthalmologists use stromal hydration to close these wounds, however, recent reports in the literature suggest this method of wound closure may not be adequate to provide a watertight seal.1 About Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.: Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. is a privately held company based in Bedford, MA, focused on the development and commercialization of ophthalmic therapeutic products using its proprietary hydrogel technology. In addition to the ReSure Sealant, Ocular Therapeutix is developing drug-eluting intracanalicular plugs for treatment of post-operative pain and inflammation and glaucoma, and injectable depots for back-of-the-eye diseases. Forward-Looking Statements: Any statements in this news release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Ocular Therapeutix constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Ocular Therapeutix anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change. However, while Ocular Therapeutix may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. _________________________________ 1. Masket S, Hovanesian JA, et al. Use of a calibrated force gauge in clear corneal cataract surgery to quantify point-pressure manipulation. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2013 Apr; 39(4):511-8.
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