Ellex Retinal Regeneration Therapy (Ellex 2RT™) is a breakthrough laser therapy which has the potential to positively influence the lives of millions of people suffering from retinal disease.
Ellex 2RT™ represents the newest in a series of advancements in retinal treatment. It is a non-thermal, nanosecond laser therapy that stimulates a natural, biological healing response in the eye to treat a range of degenerative retinal diseases. Ellex 2RT™ is currently undergoing clinical trial for the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy – two of the most common causes of blindness and vision impairment in the developed world.
 Mechanism of Ellex 2RT
Ellex 2RT™ is designed to treat a range of retinal diseases caused by a compromised retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane, the structures responsible for transporting the energy supply to, and removing the waste from, the retinal photoreceptors. Ellex 2RT™ stimulates a biological healing process that results in cellular regeneration, reversing these impaired transport mechanisms.
Laboratory research undertaken by Professor John Marshall, PhD, FRCPath, FRCOphth (Hon), at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK, demonstrated that Ellex 2RT™ rejuvenates the entire transport mechanism of the retina and improves the hydraulic conductivity of Bruch’s membrane.
This process of regeneration preserves or improves functional vision and reduces disease progression – without causing collateral damage to the overlying photoreceptor rods and cones of the retina.
 Nanosecond Laser Technology
Ellex 2RT™ utilizes an ultra-fast nanosecond laser pulse – uniquely different to existing retinal laser treatments.
In order to induce a therapeutic effect without the permanent collateral damage caused by conventional thermal retinal laser treatment, Ellex 2RT™ utilizes unique, solid-state, nanosecond laser technology. This patented technology allows the precise and specific delivery of laser energy to nano-sized targets within the cellular structure of the ageing RPE cells – without causing thermal destruction of the retina.
To illustrate how Ellex 2RT™ nanosecond laser technology differs from existing retinal laser treatments, consider the following: if the nanosecond laser pulse of Ellex 2RT™ is represented on a distance scale, with one laser pulse represented by a distance of 3 centimeters, the thermal laser pulse of conventional retinal photocoagulation would be represented by a distance of 1,000 kilometers.
Ellex 2RT™ is a non-thermal, nanosecond laser therapy that stimulates a natural, biological healing response in the eye to treat a range of degenerative retinal diseases, and is currently undergoing clinical trial for the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy – two of the most common causes of vision loss and blindness in the developed world.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Ellex 2RT™ has shown promise for the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), also known as Macular Degeneration. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world, and its global prevalence is expected to increase significantly due to ageing demographics.
When AMD occurs it is categorized into dry or wet forms:
- The most common form, Dry AMD, is associated with changes that lead to atrophic cell death of the central retina or macula, which is essential for the fine vision used for activities like reading and driving etc.
- The wet form, Wet AMD, is caused by growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula (known as choroidal neovascularization, or CNV). These abnormal blood vessels are of poor quality and leak fluid and blood, causing scar tissue that destroys the central retina.
Over time this causes significant, progressive deterioration of vision and usually results in legal blindness within 1-2 years.
Click image to enlarge.
Treatment Options for AMD: While there is currently no treatment for Dry AMD (which accounts for approximately 85% of all cases of AMD) the more aggressive wet form of AMD can be stabilized with intraocular injections of drugs, anti-VEGF treatment. The goal of anti-VEGF treatment is to stop the growth of the abnormal blood vessels (CNV), hence slowing vision loss, but is only suitable for advanced or end-stage disease, and simply addresses complications associated with AMD.
In contrast, Ellex 2RT™ offers the potential to intervene much earlier and to slow or partially reverse the degenerative processes of the disease, thereby eliminating or delaying the risk of late vision threatening complications associated with AMD.
For more information regarding AMD, please visit the website of the Macular Degeneration Foundation of Australia: www.mdfoundation.com.au
Diabetic Retinopathy
Ellex 2RT™ shows great promise for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), which is the most common form of Diabetic Retinopathy.
Changes in lifestyle and diet, and increases in obesity and life expectancy rates have led to an increased incidence of vision-threatening diabetic eye disease, Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease which, if left untreated, can cause visual impairment and blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. These damaged abnormal blood vessels can cause vision loss in two ways:
- Fragile, abnormal blood vessels grow into the jelly (vitreous) inside the eye. These blood vessels can break and bleed inside the eye, triggering further progressive damage and, if left untreated, profound blindness. This is called Proliferative Retinopathy and is the most advanced stage of the disease.
- Fluid can leak into the center of the macula, the part of the eye where sharp, straight-ahead vision occurs. This fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. Over time vision is lost and the changes become irreversible. This condition is called Macular Edema.
Click image to enlarge.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy: Currently, thermal retinal photocoagulation (laser treatment) is the standard treatment for controlling Diabetic Retinopathy. However, thermal retinal photocoagulation causes irreversible collateral damage to retinal tissue and is often painful for the patient as it involves high levels of laser energy.
Early clinical results indicate that Ellex 2RT™ achieves a similar therapeutic benefit as compared to conventional thermal retinal photocoagulation laser treatment, but without the collateral damage associated with thermal photocoagulation.
Clinical Research
Learn more about a series of randomized control trials currently underway to validate the safety and efficacy of Ellex 2RT™ in the treatment of AMD and Diabetic Retinopathy
Ellex is undertaking a series of randomized control trials in order to validate the safety and efficacy of Ellex 2RT™ in the treatment of AMD and Diabetic Retinopathy
Ellex 2RT for AMD Study:
In May 2010, Ellex reported the initial clinical results for a prospective trial undertaken by Professor Robyn Guymer, MB, BS, PhD, FRANZCO, Head of Macular Research at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), investigating the efficacy of Ellex 2RT™ for treating patients with bilateral high-risk early AMD. The trial, which is being undertaken at the Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital over a 12-month follow up period, currently includes 14 patients at 6-months follow-up.
- At six months the majority of patients experienced improvement in visual function and drusen reduction.
- Drusen decreased in 70 percent of treated eyes, demonstrating a partial reversal of the degenerative processes which cause AMD.
- Central visual function improved in 50 percent of treated eyes.
- Retinal imaging confirmed that there was no evidence of laser damage to photoreceptor cells.
According to Professor Robyn Guymer, “The initial results suggest that the application of Ellex 2RT to the affected eye eliminates the yellow deposits known as drusen which are present in the retinal tissue of people with AMD. By getting rid of the drusen from a patient’s retina, we hope to reverse the degenerative processes caused by the disease.”
To learn more about the Ellex 2RT for AMD trial and the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), visit www.CERA.org.au
Ellex 2RT for Diabetic Retinopathy Study:
In May 2010, Ellex reported the completed 6-month clinical results for a trial undertaken by Associate Professor Robert Casson, MB, BS (Hons), DPhil, FRANZCO, comparing the efficacy of Ellex 2RT™ and retinal photocoagulation for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The prospective trial, which is being conducted at the Royal Adelaide Hospital over a 12-month follow up period, currently includes 48 patients at 6-months follow-up.
At six months Ellex 2RT™ nanosecond laser treatment has produced very similar reductions in macular edema as compared to conventional retinal photocoagulation, whilst using approximately 500 times less laser energy and inducing no collateral damage.
 Clinical Research
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Laboratory Research
Review the extensive laboratory research undertaken since 2001 to establish the therapeutic effect and safety profile of Ellex 2RT™, and to determine its mechanism of action.
Ellex and its key research partners have undertaken extensive laboratory investigations to establish the therapeutic effect and safety profile of Ellex 2RT™ nanosecond laser treatment, and to determine its mechanism of action.
Research conducted at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK, demonstrated that Ellex 2RT™ influences the transport properties of the RPE and Bruch’s membrane – key structures involved in the progression of AMD and Diabetic Retinopathy.
A summary of this laboratory research is included below:
- Upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 Release by Human RPE Cells Mediates Bruch’s Membrane Permeability. J. Zhang, A. Hussain, Y. Sun, J. Marshall. Institute of Opthalmology, London, United Kingdom. ARVO 2010.
- Laser-Mediated Activation of Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) Leading to Increased Transport Across Ageing Bruch’s Membrane: Implications for Treatment of ARMD A. El-Osta. Academic Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom. ARVO 2010.
- Retinal Damage Profiles and Cellular Responses to Laser Treatment: Comparison Between a Novel, Non-Thermal Laser and a Conventional Photocoagulator. G. Chidlow, J.P.M. Wood, R.J. Casson, M. Plunkett. Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia; Ellex R&D Pty Ltd, Adelaide, Australia. ARVO 2009.
- Effect of Sub-Threshold Laser Energy (Ellex 2RT) on the Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Release Profile of RPE and the Diffusional Status of Underlying Bruch’s Membrane. J. Zhang, Y. Sun, A. Hussain, J. Marshall. Ophthalmology, Rayne Inst, St Thomas Hosp, London, United Kingdom; Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. ARVO 2009.
- Treatment of Diabetic Macular Oedema With a New Laser System 2RT (photoregeneration). Hamilton, L. Pelosini, R. Hamilton, M. Mohamed, J. Marshall. London, United Kingdom; Ophthalmology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom. ARVO 2008.
- Hydrodynamic Status of Bruch’s Membrane in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). A.A. Hussain, J. Marshall. Ophthalmology, St Thomas Hospital, The Rayne Institute, London, United Kingdom. ARVO 2008.
- A RPE-19 Mediated Improvement in the Hydraulic Conductivity of Human Donor Bruch’s Membrane. A.A. El-Osta, A.A. Hussain, J. Zhang, J. Marshall. The Rayne Institute, St. Thomas’ Hospital, Academic Department of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom. ARVO 2008.
- Sub-Threshold Q-Switched Laser (Ellex 2RT) - Induced Migration of Human RPE and Concomitant Release of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs). J. Zhang, Y. Sun, A. Hussain, A. El-Osta, L. Pelosini, P. Hamilton, J. Marshall. Ophthalmology, Rayne Inst, St Thomas Hosp, London, United Kingdom. ARVO 2008.
- Nanosecond Laser Pulses for Retinal Treatment. J.P. Wood, G. Chidlow, V. Previn, M. Plunkett, R. Casson. South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia; Ellex R&D Pty Ltd, Adelaide, Australia. ARVO 2008.
2RT Laboratory Research Overview
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NOTE: ARVO refers to The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s (ARVO) international scientific meeting, which takes place annually in Fort Lauderdale. www.arvo.org
Presentations
View a selection of educational presentations featuring key clinical results and findings for the Ellex 2RT™ Research Program.
View a selection of educational presentations featuring key clinical results and findings for the Ellex 2RT Research Program.
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Selective Retinal Pigment Epithelial Treatment for Diabetic Macular Oedema: Six Month Results
Professor John Marshall, PhD, Euretina 2009.
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Retinal Damage Profiles and Cellular Responses to Laser Treatment: Comparison Between a Novel, Non-Thermal Laser and a Conventional Photocoagulator
G. Chidlow; J.P.M. Wood; R.J. Casson; M. Plunkett
ARVO Presentation Abstract - Sunday 3 May, 2009, 8:30am - 10:15am
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Sequestration of MMPs 2&9 by Ageing Human Bruch's Membrane: Relevance to Functional Deterioration
A. Kumar; A. El-Osta; A.A. Hussain; J. Marshall.
ARVO Presentation Abstract - Tuesday 5 May, 2009, 1:45pm - 3:30pm
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Divalent Metal Ion Chelation is Associated With the Activation and Release of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 From Human Bruch's Membrane
Y. Lee; A.A. Hussain; J. Marshall.
ARVO Presentation Abstract - Tuesday 5 May, 2009, 1:45pm - 3:30pm
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Effect of Sub-Threshold Laser Energy (Ellex 2RT) on the Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Release Profile of RPE and the Diffusional Status of Underlying Bruch's Membrane
J. Zhang; Y. Sun; A. Hussain; J. Marshall.
ARVO Presentation Abstract - Tuesday 5 May, 2009, 1:45pm - 3:30pm
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Level and Distribution Patterns of Active Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzymes (MMPs) in Ageing Human Bruch's Membrane
A.A. Hussain; A. Kumar; A. El-Osta; J. Marshall.
ARVO Presentation Abstract - Wednesday 6 May, 2009, 3:45pm - 5:30pm
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Photoregeneration Therapy: Treatment of Diabetic Maculopathy. Six Months’ Clinical Trial Results
Professor John Marshall, PhD, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2008.
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Download Center
Take your pick from a comprehensive selection of Ellex 2RT™ educational resources available for download.
Take your pick from a comprehensive selection of Ellex 2RT™ educational resources available for download.
Ellex 2RT FAQs Ellex 2RT BackgrounderEllex 2RT ARVO 2010 AbstractsEllex 2RT Media Kit
Ellex 2RT in the Media
Read the latest media coverage for Ellex 2RT™.
Read the latest media coverage for Ellex 2RT™
Press Releases
View current and archived press releases for Ellex 2RT™.
View current and archived press releases for Ellex 2RT™
7 MAY 2010
ELLEX 2RT STUDIES DEMONSTRATE CLINICAL EFFICACY IN TREATMENT OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Ellex announced today major positive clinical results for its world leading laser Retina Regeneration Therapy (Ellex 2RT™) for the treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), two conditions that usually result in irreversible blindness for sufferers.
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3 MAY 2010
ELLEX TO PRESENT NEW CLINICAL RESULTS FOR ELLEX 2RT AT ARVO 2010
Ellex announced today that initial clinical results of two new studies for Ellex Retina Regeneration Therapy (Ellex 2RT™) will be presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology's (ARVO) 2010 Annual Meeting, which takes place 2-6 May in Fort Lauderdale.
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12 APR 2010
ELLEX SECURES SUBLICENCE AGREEMENT FOR ELLEX 2RT
Ellex announced today that it has sublicensed Patent No. 5,549,596, effectively enabling the Company to bring Ellex 2RT™ technology to market in the US.
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13 NOV 2009
ELLEX 2RT RESEARCH PROGRAM AWARDED GOVERNMENT GRANT
Ellex announced today that the Ellex 2RT™ Research Program has been awarded a $0.54 million Victorian Government grant.
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10 NOV 2008
ELLEX ANNOUNCES SIX-MONTH RESULTS ON RETINA REGENERATION THERAPY
Ellex today announced the six-month clinical study results for the groundbreaking treatment Retina Regeneration Therapy (Ellex 2RT™).
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10 NOV 2007
ELLEX 2RT STUDY DEMONSTRATES CLINICAL EFFICACY IN TREATMENT OF DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA
Ellex today announced clinical results of an ongoing study for non-thermal Retina Regeneration Therapy (Ellex 2RT™).
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1 NOV 2007
ELLEX ANNOUNCES NEW RETINA REGENERATION THERAPY TO BE PRESENTED AT THE AAO
Ellex today announced that the initial results of treating patients with Retina Regeneration Therapy (Ellex 2RT™) will be presented by Peter Hamilton MD, FRCOph at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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Media Room
Visit the media room to review a collection of media resources including Ellex 2RT™ and Ellex corporate media kits.
 Ellex 2RT Media Kit
Media Contacts
If you are a member of the media, please contact our Corporate Communications department at communications@ellex.com or +61 8 8104 5214 and specify whether you are interested in product news, corporate or financial information.
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