RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opticyte® Amniotic Ocular Matrix, a product of Research Triangle Park-based Merakris Therapeutics, has gotten the attention of a leading trade publication directed at optometrists.
The innovative eye care therapy creates a biological barrier to protect the surface of the cornea – the clear outer layer at the front of the eyeball – during healing. Merakris said Opticyte Matrix also supports cell attachment and ingrowth and is commonly used as a supplemental protective barrier in patients with dry eye disease and other corneal defects.
The latest edition of Modern Optometry highlights the study of a patient with a history of treatment-resistant severe dry eye disease, filamentary keratitis and epithelial erosions whose symptoms were resolved through the use of Opticyte Matrix in combination with other therapies. The use of amniotic membrane technologies is being used more frequently to treat nonhealing corneal defects, according to the study.
“The case report featured in Modern Optometry provides further evidence of the effectiveness of Opticyte Matrix as a potential treatment for a variety of debilitating and potentially serious eye problems,” said Merakris CEO Chris Broderick. “We are delighted to be included in a publication that is widely read and respected by eye care professionals.”
Opticyte is derived from amniotic membrane, or amnion, the innermost layer of the placenta. The tissue, which can promote healing, is donated by consenting mothers after cesarean section births. Opticyte Matrix is available in several different shapes and sizes to address a variety of clinic and surgical treatment applications.
Merakris recently partnered with Miracles In Sight (MIS) – originally known as the North Carolina Eye Bank – to supply Opticyte to eye physicians in North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The organization, one of the largest non-profit eye banks in the world, is associated with 70 eye clinics in the three states that will have ready access to the product as part of the agreement.
Founded in 2016, Merakris Therapeutics is a leader in researching, developing and marketing regenerative healthcare products. The company is pioneering the use of birth tissue-derived technologies that protect and promote the healing of damaged tissue. In addition to Opticyte Matrix, its products include:
- Dermacyte Amniotic Wound Care Liquid, a non-cellular sterile-filtered amniotic injection that promotes wound healing; and
- Dermacyte Amniotic Wound Care Matrix, a human amniotic membrane tissue allograft that provides a protective covering for skin wounds and surgical sites.
Merakris also is investigating other novel biotechnology solutions that promote wound healing and skin rejuvenation.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These include projections and estimates regarding the marketing and other potential of Merakris’ products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans" and similar expressions. Although Merakris’ management believes that any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Merakris, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally that could affect the availability or commercial potential of the product; the fact that product may not be commercially successful; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including future clinical data and analysis of existing clinical data relating to the product; post marketing, unexpected safety, quality or manufacturing issues, competition in general, risks associated with intellectual property and any related future litigation and the ultimate outcome of such litigation; and volatile economic and market conditions that may impact us, our employees, advisors, customers, suppliers, vendors or other business partners – and the financial condition of any one of them – as well as the global economy as a whole.
