RetinAI Announces Strategic Partnership with Eyestem to Innovate Geographic Atrophy Clinical Research Using State-of-the-Art AI Technology

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Bern, Switzerland & Boston, US, and Bangalore, India, October 30, 2023 - Ikerian AG and RetinAI Inc. US (“RetinAI”), a pioneer in clinical and imaging data management software and advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics for ophthalmology, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Eyestem Research, a Bangalore-based biotechnology company specializing in cell therapy approaches. This collaboration is set to revolutionize a treatment approach for Geographic Atrophy (GA) by leveraging RetinAI’s Discovery® platform and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in sync with Eyestem’s innovative cell therapy, Eyecyte-RPE™.

GA, a late-stage form of dryAge-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a significant health concern worldwide. Currently, dry AMD affects 200 million individuals globally1, contributing to irreversible vision loss. Compounded by an aging population, the prevalence of this serious eye disease is escalating at an alarming  rate.

Eyestem is taking a significant step forward, preparing to initiate their Phase I/IIa clinical trials for Eyecyte-RPE™. This multi-center, dose escalation, and expansion trial aims to assess Eyecyte-RPE™ 's safety and efficacy for GA. This trial will benefit from RetinAI's Discovery® platform, which will centralize data management and image analysis for the study, in addition to leveraging RetinAI's advanced segmentation model for identification and quantification of retinal biomarkers in GA. This automated analysis will provide real-time insights on clinical endpoints, speeding up critical decision-making.

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Dr. Carlos Ciller, CEO of RetinAI, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with Eyestem, known for its forward-thinking approach to biotechnology and cell therapy. Our AI-driven Discovery® platform is poised to significantly accelerate research and provide enhanced insights into disease progression and outcomes. Together, we’re confident that this synergy will not only enrich insights in the  development of novel treatments but also manifest in delivering life-altering solutions faster to individuals affected by retinal diseases globally.” 

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Eyestem, in its commitment to combating vision loss through innovative biotechnological approaches, recognizes the immense potential of incorporating AI and advanced data analytics into its research paradigm. “This collaboration with RetinAI marks a significant milestone in our journey,” said Dr Jogin Desai, “Their sophisticated AI tools and the RetinAI Discovery® platform integrate perfectly with our vision, potentially shortening the timelines for our clinical trials and enhancing the accuracy of our analyses. This is not just a partnership; it’s a confluence of technology and biotech aiming to rewrite the narrative for patients affected by GA worldwide.” 

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About RetinAI 

Established in 2017, Ikerian AG (formerly RetinAI Medical AG) and its subsidiary, RetinAI US Inc.,  are transforming clinical and pharmaceutical research with cutting-edge machine learning and computer vision. Their collaboration with healthcare experts enhances data analysis for improved research and clinical trials. RetinAI's platform's extensive list of AI models, including for major ophthalmic disorders like Geographic Atrophy, enable detailed analysis of large datasets, offering critical insights into patient demographics and biomarker profiles. This innovation not only expedites informed decision-making but also shifts the healthcare paradigm from reactive to proactive. Discover more of the solutions for pharma here: https://www.retinai.com/solutions/life-sciences-pharma and on their website: www.retinai.com.

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About Eyestem 

Based in Bangalore and Delaware, Eyestem Research is a clinical-stage biotech company founded by an experienced team in pharmaceuticals, ophthalmology, and cell biology. It's recognized as a top innovator nationwide, earning accolades from Economic Times in 2022. Eyestem has received grants from the Indian Department of Biotechnology and has been celebrated as a successful startup at government events. Backed by global investors, including Switzerland and South Africa, it's supported by prestigious venture capital firms Kotak Investment Advisors and Endiya Partners. Its recent funding came from three major Indian pharmaceutical companies: Alkem Laboratories, NATCO, and Biological E.

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1 Hrishikesh, V. and Pranaykumar, S. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. National Library of Medicine. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9595233/

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