Quantel Medical has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) glaucoma laser for clinical use, called Solutis.
Solutis is a 532nm SLT laser designed for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). POAG patients are diagnosed with elevated intraocular pressure due to the lack of functionality in the trabecular meshwork.
SLT is a gentle laser therapy compared to other classic laser procedures and is now considered effective for first-line, adjunct or secondary line of treatment.
The 532nm energy is selectively absorbed by pigmented cells. Its specific treatment settings limit the heat-related damage and preserve the trabecular meshwork.
The laser's gentle energy application allows repetition of the treatment and is not associated with the ocular and systemic side effects or compliance issues commonly linked to glaucoma drugs.
Quantel Medical CEO Jean-Marc Gendre noted the FDA market clearance of the company's SLT laser marks an important step in Quantel's strategy for the US market.
"Solutis has proven to be an attractive laser solution worldwide, and we are proud to now offer this laser alongside our robust line of multispot and YAG lasers," Gendre added.
Solutis's approval follows the expiration of a patent issued to Massachusetts General Hospital, which restricted Quantel Medical and other laser manufacturers from marketing SLT within the US.
Since 2007, Quantel is providing SLT technology to customers outside the US.
