WAVRE, Belgium — 29 June 2021: iSTAR Medical, a med-tech company developing minimally-invasive implants for glaucoma treatment, announced today that Paul van Hagen has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Van Hagen brings to iSTAR Medical over 20 years of experience in finance, of which the last ten years has been with life science companies. In his previous roles, van Hagen has been involved in several private and public financings and strategic transactions, including both public offerings and M&A.
We are thrilled to have Paul join as our CFO at this crucial period for our company,” said iSTAR Medical CEO, Michel Vanbrabant. “With trials for our MINIject progressing positively and our commercial phase getting closer, his solid financial expertise will help set-up the right structure to address upcoming needs and developments.
I am really excited about my new role as CFO at iSTAR Medical,” stated Paul van Hagen. “The technology is fascinating and the potential positioning of a new product as best-in-class is an excellent asset to engage with prospective stakeholders and investors.
iSTAR Medical SA is a med-tech company developing minimally invasive ophthalmic implants for the treatment of glaucoma patients. iSTAR Medical has exclusive rights for ophthalmic use of the STAR® material, developed by the University of Washington, Seattle (USA). STAR has outstanding anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties and a unique porous structure that enhances natural fluid outflow. iSTAR Medical was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Wavre, Belgium. www.istarmed.com
MINIject is iSTAR Medical’s revolutionary MIGS device for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. MINIject combines the unique porous structure of its proprietary STAR material with the power offered by the supraciliary space. As a result, it is designed to enhance natural fluid outflow, reducing IOP and the need for medication, while bio-integrating with surrounding tissue, limiting inflammation, fibrosis and subsequent complications.
Glaucoma is a progressive disease and the second leading cause of adult blindness,[1] affecting over 100 million people globally.[2] IOP reduction, through medication or surgery, helps delay disease progression.[1]Medication is generally the first line treatment, but the progressive addition of multiple drops can burden patients with side effects, compliance challenges and costs.[1,2] Invasive surgery can present risks with irreversible complications.[1,2] MIGS is the most promising and fastest-growing glaucoma therapy due to its enhanced safety profile.[2] MINIject is potentially best-in-class for its promising long-term efficacy and safety.
[1] European Glaucoma Society Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma, 4th Edition: British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2017;101:1-195 https://bjo.bmj.com/content/101/5/73
[2] Glaucoma Surgical Device Market Report, published by Market Scope, August 2020. https://www.market-scope.com/pages/reports/202/2020-glaucoma-surgical-device-market-report-a-global-analysis-for-2019-to-2025-august-2020
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