Ciliatech obtains CE mark for eye implant Intercil® Uveal Spacer, novel treatment for patients with glaucoma

Innovative implant that lowers IOP without penetrating anterior chamber set to be game changer in surgical treatment of both open and narrow angle glaucoma

CE mark pivotal step in paving way for Intercil’s commercial use across Europe

Ciliatech selected to showcase Intercil to top industry professionals at ESCRS iNovation Day, September 12

Chavanod (near Annecy), France, August 27, 2025 – Ciliatech, an innovative medtech company focusing on the treatment of glaucoma, today announces that it has obtained CE certification for Intercil^® Uveal Spacer, a new class of surgical implant, under the scope of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). This milestone marks a significant achievement for Ciliatech, validating the quality, safety and reliability of Intercil. It is a pivotal step in paving the way for Intercil’s commercial use across the European Union, with planned market expansion approval to other regions, starting with the UK where the device has also already achieved registration.

Intercil is the first in a brand-new class of glaucoma surgical procedure, ‘Cilioscleral Interpositioning Device’ (CID), designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing uveoscleral outflow but without penetrating the anterior chamber of the eye. This approach may preserve the integrity of the anterior chamber of the eye using a ‘no-bleb-no-cleft’ approach, offering potential benefits in minimizing the risk of corneal endothelial cell loss. This surgical technique, which transforms the way surgeons approach the supraciliary space of the eye, demonstrates a high safety profile, minimizing complications and providing a comfortable post-operative recovery for patients. 

The CE mark approval validates that Intercil meets the stringent requirements of the EU MDR – a robust framework established to ensure high standards of quality, safety and effectiveness for medical devices marketed in the EU. Alongside obtaining the CE mark, the company secured funding, unlocking the way to sales development in the EU and a strategy roll-out in the US.

“Ciliatech is thrilled to obtain CE certification for our Intercil Uveal Spacer under the scope of MDR. This critical step is the culmination of years of hard work and significant investment,” said Olivier Benoit, CEO of Ciliatech. “In our steadfast commitment to offering a genuine solution to patients who endure the impacts of glaucoma and thanks to new funding, we can now accelerate the commercial availability of Intercil, roll out its distribution in select European countries and plan for future registrations in key markets, notably the US and China. We anticipate that glaucoma surgeons and early adopters of innovation will see the value in our ‘no-bleb-no-cleft’ approach in achieving robust IOP lowering with minimal post-op care.” 

Glaucoma, the number one cause of irreversible blindness, affects 80 million people worldwide; this is expected to increase to 111.8 million by 2040. Intercil ushers in a new paradigm shift in standalone glaucoma surgery. 

Traditional options typically create a bleb which carries the risk of infection and demands an intense post-operative follow-up schedule for patients. Other surgical options may be conservative in their ability to reduce IOP, due to natural physiological limitations of conventional outflow pathways of the eye. Intercil’s surgical approach may overcome these drawbacks. 

Addressing the gap between mild and severe glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive disease that requires effective management at all stages. While existing treatments such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and angle surgery may be suitable for mild cases, and bleb-forming/filtering procedures are reserved for severe cases, patients with moderate glaucoma often remain underserved. 

“Intercil addresses the underserved need in treating moderate glaucoma. It bridges the gap between techniques for mild cases and filtering surgeries, providing surgeons with further options to manage disease progression. The device’s compatibility with narrow-angle cases further broadens its potential applicability, making it a versatile choice for diverse clinical needs across multiple patient populations,” added Benoit.

Key features of Intercil:

• Anterior Chamber-free: Utilizes the supraciliary space and increases uveoscleral outflow without anterior chamber cleft, potentially minimizing related complications
• Robust IOP lowering: Effective standalone treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG) without the need for a bleb or antimetabolites
• Versatile positioning: Can be positioned 360° around the eye, ensuring optimal placement
• Broad applicability: Suitable for narrow-angle glaucoma patients, addressing a critical gap in current treatment options

Next month, Ciliatech will showcase Intercil at the 4^th ESCRS iNovation^® Day, Copenhagen, Denmark, September 12, a global meeting of doctors, executives, emerging companies and financial leaders shaping the future of the ophthalmic industry. This is Ciliatech’s second selection to this innovation event, indicating the medical community’s strong interest in its device.

About Ciliatech

Ciliatech is an innovative medtech company focusing on the treatment of glaucoma – a disease that affects 80 million people worldwide. Following CE Mark approval in 2025, its Intercil^® Uveal Spacer, a groundbreaking implant in the new ‘Cilioscleral interpositioning Device’ (CID) category, is the first proprietary glaucoma device that treats both the open and narrow angle forms of the disease. Clinical trial follow-up of patients implanted with the device has now reached the three-year mark; demonstrating highly positive results in robust IOP-lowering coupled with a high safety profile. Multiple clinical trials of the second-generation Intercil are in progress. Intercil’s unique design facilitates external placement into the supraciliary space of the eye, without the device ever entering the eye’s anterior chamber, setting it apart from other standalone surgical glaucoma procedures.

Co-founded in 2017 by ophthalmic surgeon and inventor Dr. Philippe Sourdille, and Olivier Benoit, a veteran engineer and biotech entrepreneur, Ciliatech has to date raised €12M ($14M) and is continuing to expand its scientific, medical and commercial team. The company is located near Annecy, France. 

www.cilia.tech