Isnes, Belgium (July 16, 2014) – iSTAR Medical SA, a privately held ophthalmic device company, announced today that Michel Vanbrabant has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Vanbrabant joins iSTAR from Reva Medical Inc., where he was Managing Director, International. He brings more than two decades of experience in the medical device industry, including positions at PneumRx Inc., St Jude Medical Corp and Guidant Corp. Michel Alvarez, founder of iSTAR and former CEO, has left the company to pursue other career opportunities.
We are pleased to have Michel Vanbrabant join iSTAR and know that his extensive experience and understanding of international market access in the device industry will be invaluable to the company as it continues to advance STARfloTM for the treatment of glaucoma.
We would also like to thank Michel Alvarez for his essential role in establishing iSTAR and for bringing the company to the current stage of development.
, said Ekaterina Smiryagina, PhD, Partner at Capricorn Venture Partners and representing Capricorn Health-tech Fund at the board of iStar.
I believe that iSTAR is uniquely positioned to make a great impact on the treatment of glaucoma and other eye diseases through the development of innovative ophthalmic implants utilizing STAR® Biomaterial. I am excited to join iSTAR and work with the distinguished and accomplished team of employees, directors and scientific advisors as we strive to improve the lives of patients suffering from eye disease.
, said Mr. Vanbrabant.
About Glaucoma and STARfloTM
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. By 2020, it is estimated that 80 million people worldwide will have the disease. Elevated intraocular pressure is considered a major risk factor for Glaucoma and its progression.
STARflo is a non-degradable, precision-pore, implant made from STAR® Biomaterial. It is designed to operate as a bleb-free, micro-porous drainage system to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients suffering from open angle glaucoma by augmenting the eye’s natural uveoscleral outflow. STARflo received CE Mark approval in 2012 and is currently available through distributors in select countries.
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