Hannover medical university seeks patients for eye implant study

The Medical University of Hannover (MHH) is recruiting participants for the Sightspire clinical study, which focuses on treating patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study evaluates the Port Delivery System (PDS), an implantable device developed by Roche designed to provide continuous, high-concentration delivery of ranibizumab directly into the eye.

The PDS implant aims to reduce the frequency of medical visits and the overall treatment burden by replacing regular injections with a long-term delivery method. The implantation procedure takes approximately 40 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The device is designed to remain invisible under the eyelid during daily activities.

Eligible participants for the 19-month study include individuals aged 50 and older who were diagnosed with wet AMD within the last two years. While the PDS has been approved for use in the United States since 2021, it is currently undergoing the process for European market authorization.