iSTAR Medical

What we do: iSTAR Medical specializes in innovative eye care solutions, focusing on the treatment of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Their flagship product, MINIject®, is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device designed for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. MINIject® utilizes a proprietary porous STAR® material to enhance natural fluid outflow via the supraciliary space, effectively reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and minimizing the need for medication. This device is currently approved in Europe and is under development for market approval in the United States.

Where we are located: The company is headquartered at Avenue Sabin 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium.

Short history: iSTAR Medical has developed MINIject® as a breakthrough MIGS implant, leveraging the STAR® material originally developed by the University of Washington. The company has conducted extensive clinical trials, including the STAR-GLOBAL trial, which demonstrated sustained and significant IOP reduction over five years. MINIject® is the only commercially available MIGS implant targeting the supraciliary space, marking a significant milestone in glaucoma treatment.

Organization & culture: iSTAR Medical is a specialized medtech company with a management team experienced in product development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and market access. The company is committed to building a high-quality product pipeline and fostering a culture focused on innovation and patient-centered solutions in ophthalmology.

Recent developments: In recent years, iSTAR Medical announced positive five-year results from the STAR-GLOBAL trial, confirming MINIject®’s long-term safety and efficacy. The device showed a 38% sustained reduction in IOP, with 83% of patients achieving more than 20% IOP reduction and 32% of patients no longer requiring medication. These results reinforce MINIject® as a promising, best-in-class treatment option for glaucoma patients.