New laser treatment prevents blindness

Maculaser is a clinical-stage health technology company that specialises in developing a laser-based treatment for common retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The technology developed by the company allows non-damaging laser treatments, where the temperature of the retina is increased temporarily.

“Controlling the temperature of the retina is the key aspect of the treatment. If the temperature is too low, the treatment will be of no benefit to the patient. If the temperature is too high, it damages the sensitive retina. Therefore, the heating power produced by the laser must be precisely right for the individual patient and their retina,” says Jaakko Nieminen, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Maculaser Oy.

The history of Maculaser Oy goes back around 10 years to Aalto University, where vision-related research was conducted. About five years ago, the team began commercialising the idea. In 2023, the Instrumentarium Science Foundation awarded Maculaser a €50,000 SILMU grant for the development of a new form of treatment and related equipment.

The temperature of the macula must be correct

The name of Maculaser Oy is based on the word ‘macula’ – which means the area of sharp vision on the fundus of the eye. The area surrounding the macula is heated during the laser treatment developed by the company. To determine the correct temperature, the treatment uses flashes of light, which activate retinal cells. As the temperature changes, so do the reactions of the retinal cells to light flashes. The temperature is measured through a mechanism similar to the one used in ECG examinations.

“The very first prototype of the treatment device currently under development was made already at the university. Now the device has been further developed and is suitable for hospital use. In 2024, we will begin clinical trials, which should result in gaining the CE marking of the device. According to our plans, in a couple of years we will have all the necessary permits and we can start marketing the device," says Nieminen, envisioning the future.

The unit price of the finished device is estimated at some tens of thousands of euros. In addition, the customer pays for the use of the device based on the number of treatments. Along with designing the current device, the company has also been researching the use of the same approach in the diagnostics of eye diseases.

Better usability and more accuracy

A starting company is almost always in need of additional financing. In product development, money is spent on both technology and people's salaries. During its existence, Maculaser has received funding from private capital investors, Business Finland and the EU's Horizon 2020 programme.

“The SILMU grant we received from the Instrumentarium Science Foundation has been a major motivator and confidence booster for us. The top experts in medical technology appreciate us and our technology and believe in its potential. The support is also significant in monetary terms as the costs of a start-up company are ongoing," reminds Nieminen.

Much of the money goes to developing the usability of the equipment and improving its accuracy. This will help make the treatment process more efficient.

“I had already received a grant from the Instrumentarium Science Foundation for my doctoral research, so I was familiar with the foundation. It has been a positive signal to be able to mention this grant in different contexts.”

Text: Kai Tarkka / Viestintäpalvelu Taika Oy
Picture: Ilkka Nissilä