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LOS ANGELES & MUNICH—ELT Sight has acquired the IP and assets of MLase AG’s excimer ophthalmic laser system for glaucoma surgery. MLase manufactures and markets innovative laser systems, including the ExTra ELT Laser and disposable applicator used to perform implant-free, microinvasive glaucoma surgery. The system received European Conformity (CE) certification in 2014 and is currently available in Europe. ELT Sight said it plans to expand marketing activities in Europe and initiate clinical studies in the U.S. in early 2020. Terms for the acquisition were not disclosed.

Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy (ELT) is an implant-free microinvasive glaucoma surgery that was first used clinically in Europe in 1997. This outpatient procedure has shown superior results and a favorable safety profile in European studies with sustained, multi-year reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreased medication use, according to ELT Sight, which has offices in Los Angeles and Munich.

“There is a growing need for new solutions to address glaucoma, a global health challenge expected to affect 80 million people worldwide in 2020. Clinical studies in Europe have demonstrated that the ExTra ELT Laser system offers patients with glaucoma an implant-free choice to lower eye pressure,” said Elliott Friedman, chief executive officer of ELT Sight. “Our hope is to simultaneously ramp up marketing activities in Europe while conducting clinical trials in the United States early next year.”

The ExTra ELT Laser and disposable applicator will continue to be manufactured by MLase in Germany.