UK ‘market first’ launch
Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd – one of the UK’s most respected distributors of innovative ophthalmic products – has secured exclusive UK distribution rights for Sensimed’s paradigm-changing electronic contact lens device, the SENSIMED Triggerfish®.
The concept of a biotechnology contact lens that can use embedded sensors and electronics to monitor eye health and identify glaucoma has now become reality with the new SENSIMED Triggerfish® Sensor. Since launch, it has – quite rightly – generated real excitement within the ophthalmology world because it provides unprecedented information on the circadian behavior of intraocular pressure. The detection of elevation in pressure, often undetected during clinic visits, enables ophthalmologists to better understand the condition of the patient to personalise the treatment particularly for difficult glaucoma cases.
SENSIMED Triggerfish® is a soft, non-invasive single use contact lens that contains an electronic circuit to monitor continuously fluctuations of intraocular pressure over a 24-hour period. The external system consists of an adhesive antenna worn around the eye attached to a portable recording device. The technology offers the consultant physician unrivalled depth of insight into the patient’s condition and has huge potential to save a patient’s eyesight through earlier detection and improved management of glaucoma.
The partnership with Sensimed – a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne – to bring SENSIMED Triggerfish® to the UK market is a significant honour for Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd. Maria Ponsford, Deputy Managing Director, comments: “We are delighted that Sensimed has chosen to partner with us. Our quality of service, strong customer base and family-run business values resonated strongly with Sensimed. We very much look forward to talking to our customers about this new innovation. 2012 is set to be a very exciting year for us!”
At present, SENSIMED Triggerfish® is only available in selected countries in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The commercial opportunity to develop in the UK is significant and therefore paramount that its distribution partner markets and sells the product successfully. “Our objective was to partner with an organisation that has strong customer loyalty, is committed to building long-term relationships and has a proven track record in launching innovative products to the UK market,” comments Jean-Marc Wismer, CEO from Sensimed. “Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd was clearly a perfect fit, and we look forward to developing a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship going forward.”
SENSIMED Triggerfish® is available through Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd from 2nd January 2012. For further information and an appointment to discuss the innovation further, please call: Tel: +44 (0)1202 658 444.
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