Avedro Update Company Completes U S Phase III Study of Microwave Treatment for Progressive Keratoconus and Ectasia after Refractive Surgery

I have been following the progress of Avedro since I first learned about the formation of the company back in May 2009 (The Rebirth of Thermal Keratoplasty). I then wrote about the company a second time in February 2010 (Avedro Keraflex: Microwaves for Reshaping the Cornea).

Now the company has announced completion of the one-year follow up visits of patients enrolled in its two multi-center Phase III clinical studies, although, not releasing the data as yet, which is undergoing timely analysis.

When the analysis is completed, I will bring you the results.

Multi-Center US Phase III Studies for the Treatment of Progressive Keratoconus and Ectasia Following Refractive Surgery

Avedro, Inc. announced the completion of all one-year follow-up visits for patients enrolled in its two multi-center Phase III studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking for the treatment of progressive keratoconus and ectasia following refractive surgery.

Keratoconus is a degenerative disease of the eye and is the leading cause of corneal transplants in the US today. Ectasia following refractive surgery is a complication following various types of surgery, including LASIK. Outside the US, Cross-linking has been deemed safe and effective and is approved for use in treating keratoconus and ectasia post-refractive surgery.

For more information about both clinical trials please see:
for ecstasia - http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00674661
for progressive keratoconus - http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00647699

Dr. Peter Hersh, a leading refractive surgeon and Medical Monitor for Avedro's clinical trial stated, "Avedro's efforts to make this clinically important treatment available to US patients is applauded by all US ophthalmologists who today lack any approved therapeutic treatment to halt the progression of these sight threatening conditions."

"I am extremely pleased that we have reached this important stage in the US clinical trials and our team is working diligently to accomplish a timely analysis of data," said David Muller, CEO of Avedro. "Outside the US, cross-linking has become the standard of care for treating weak and ectactic corneas. It is our hope to bring this technology to the US in the near future."

The company is also the sponsor of another clinical trial using its Keraflex KXL technique, which  is expected to get underway in August 2011, Safety and Efficacy of the KXL System With Riboflavin 0.1% Ophthalmic Solution for Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Eyes With Keratoconus -  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01344187
 

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of two treatment regimens for corneal collagen cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus. The treatment is designed to help improve or slow the progression of keratoconus. The study treatment involves using an eyedrop containing riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2. Riboflavin increases your eye's sensitivity to light. The riboflavin eyedrops are placed in your affected eye at two-minute intervals for 10 minutes and then your affected cornea is exposed to ultraviolet light (UVA) from the KXL System (the UV light machine) for another 2 or 3 minute period, depending upon which treatment group subjects are assigned to. Subjects will be followed for twelve months to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Guidelines In Putting A Non Medical Home Care Company

By Sherry Gross

Services like shopping, companion, medical attention and even bathing are given better by well-trained caregivers. Increase in the time spent on places of work has led the unable persons with very minute support in undertaking the routine activities. For this instance, non medical home care results to being an important service that comes in to offer support. The tips below offer helpful information on coming up with a home care company.

It is important to determine the business structure your business would look like. You can do this by buying a franchise that will get you on the go quickly and effectively, joining a membership network which will aid in initial training and give support in a very flexible arrangement, operating independently or even buying an already existing company.

Model a business entity while ensuring the necessary licensing requirements are met. Make certain that you familiarize yourself with the expected business requirements from your state as they vary mildly from state to state. One is able to describe to the government the business one is operating through picking a business entity. Such entities are asked for by some states.

One should develop procedures and policies which will clearly define consistency in approach to the regular business practices. This step outlines standard and practices in which your firm will device and ensure safety for the clients and the legal protections of business. Some of the policies and procedures that ought to be covered in the manual include clinical practices, intake procedures, hiring practices and risk management. Some of the licensing boards of the state ask for provision of this manual.

Ensure you set up a recruitment and retention plan for the caregivers as they act as part of your inventory. The quality of people that you recruit determines the quality of product you will give out. Long term ability to compete is on the other hand influenced by the ability to retain the caregivers that you have recruited.

Coming up with necessary plans in marketing and sales is necessary so as to grow a successful home care firm. This include channeling most of your resources and time to acquire new clients. In achieving this, creating of marketing strategies will be essential to put you on track. While frequently updating, adopting a cost effective method will be ideal.

Track your business result by measuring your business success. This ensures that you set up score card which will monitor measures that are critical to ensure there is a successful growth of your business. Also ensure that you have chosen the right location to set up your offices. Check on affluent areas with individuals that can afford the services while also ensuring the offices are accessible.

For the entrepreneurs wishing to set up this kind of business, it is prudent that they do go out and find further in depth information so as to ensure they attain their set targets with no hitches. Be watchful on your competitors strategies so that you can come up with tactics that will guarantee you remain on top.

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You can visit www.careagehomecare.com for more helpful information about Procedures In Setting A Non Medical Home Care.