LEH Pharma announces first EyeMax Mono surgery performed in Argentina

The EyeMax Mono lens was implanted in both eyes by renowned ophthalmologist Dr Hugo Nano in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The EyeMax lens is the latest in LEH Pharma's AMD lens portfolio and is unique in its ability to improve vision in patients at all stages of both dry and stable wet AMD. The product is delivered through a simple cataract surgery and is CE-marked and approved for sale in 34 countries across Europe and internationally.

AMD affects the central part of the retina and is the leading cause of blindness in people aged over 60, affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide. At present, only limited research has been conducted into the scale of AMD in Latin America, however available data suggests a high number of potential patients. Approximately 54 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean are over 65, and within this Argentina has one of the highest elderly populations in the region with up to 13.1% of the population, or 5.7 million, being 65 years or older1. The unique optics of the EyeMax lens optimises the quality of the image supplied across the macula, permitting patients to make use of functioning areas of retina that would otherwise receive a blurred image. It is the only adequate treatment for all types of AMD.

Dr Hugo Nano said: "It is wonderful to have brought the EyeMax Mono lens into Argentina for the first time. The operation was a success, and this patient will be the first of many to have their quality of life improved by LEH Pharma's technology. AMD is one of the main causes of vision loss in the Argentinian population, so it is exciting to see this new treatment option become available through such a straightforward, quick operation."

Dr Bobby Qureshi, CEO and founder of LEH Pharma, commented: "I am delighted that the EyeMax Mono lens will now be available to patients in Argentina, offering AMD sufferers in the country a chance for improved vision and a better quality of life. This expansion into an important new market underlines our focus on expanding the international reach of our products and services, and creating additional relationships with world-leading surgeons and ophthalmology specialists across the globe."

For more information, please contact:LEH Pharma LtdDr Bobby Qureshi[email protected]^[1]+ 44 (0) 20 7060 2763

Consilium Strategic CommunicationsMary-Jane Elliott, Ivar Milligan, Chris Welsh[email protected]^[2]www.consilium-comms.com^[3]+44 (0) 20 3709 5700

Notes for editors:

About LEH PharmaLEH Pharma is a leading provider of revolutionary ocular implants for macular disorders. Its disruptive lens technology, which is unique, proven and patented, is currently marketed internationally for the treatment of stable wet and dry AMD. The Company was formed in 2011 by a group of pioneering surgeons, and is supported by a network of world-leading ophthalmologists and scientists. For more information, please visit LEH Pharma's website at www.lehpharma.com^[4]

About EyeMaxEyeMax is a revolutionary breakthrough for AMD sufferers and is the only adequate solution for the treatment of both the stable wet and dry form of the condition. EyeMax can be used in both eyes and can be applied fast and easily. The innovative technology and unique optics of the EyeMax lens enhances the quality of the image supplied to the all areas of the macula permitting patients with AMD to make better use of the healthier parts of their retina. Advantages of the product include safer surgery, ease of implantation and significant improvement of vision for patients2. Currently, the only other surgical options available for patients result in sub-optimal vision with high rates of complications. EyeMax is CE-marked in Europe and is exploring FDA approval in the US.

About age related macular degeneration (AMD)LEH Pharma's EyeMax product is aimed at improving the quality of life of patients with AMD, the western world's biggest cause of blindness and the greatest unmet need in ophthalmology. AMD is a disorder affecting the central part of the retina, causing changes to central vision and making everyday tasks difficult.

EyeMax is aimed at two main patient populations: those who require cataract (where 1 in 3 patients or more may have some form of macular degeneration) and the non-cataract population including patients with AMD prior to cataract surgery or sufferers of other macular diseases such as diabetic eye disease.

2 Published data from several European centres supports the effectiveness of EyeMax and can be found on the website here (www.iolamd.com/clinical-data^[5]). Most recently the European Journal of Ophthalmology found EyeMax safe and observed improvements after surgery above those of standard implants.

1 Risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in Argentina; Maria Eugenia Nano et al; April 2013 [Available here https://bit.ly/2JYrjGG] ^[6]

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References

1. ^{^} [email protected] (www.acnnewswire.com)
2. ^{^} [email protected] (www.acnnewswire.com)
3. ^{^} www.consilium-comms.com (www.consilium-comms.com)
4. ^{^} www.lehpharma.com (www.lehpharma.com)
5. ^{^} www.iolamd.com/clinical-data (www.iolamd.com)
6. ^{^} https://bit.ly/2JYrjGG (bit.ly)