LSGPA Invests $500,000 in Apeliotus Vision Science, Inc.

HARRISBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania (LSGPA) announced today an investment of $500,000 in Apeliotus Vision Science, Inc., an early-stage company developing a simple, cost-effective tool for early diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.

AMD is a progressive disease that affects the vision of more than 30 million people worldwide, yet there is currently no good means for early detection of the condition. Available methods are impractical for routine clinical testing because of the long turn-around time and high cost. Apeliotus aims to change that with the AdaptDx™, a technology developed by Dr. Greg Jackson of the Penn State College of Medicine and Dr. Cynthia Owsley at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 13 million people with some vision loss from AMD,” says CEO John Edwards. “That translates into roughly one out of every six U.S. citizens over age 65, and the prevalence only rises as we age.”

The AdaptDx™ measures the eye’s ability to adapt to the dark. In an initial study the device detected the onset of AMD well before it became clinically evident. Researchers and investors hope that early detection, combined with therapy using currently available drugs, will prevent or slow vision loss. Similar in size, operation and cost to the instruments routinely used for glaucoma screening, the AdaptDx™ test is completely non-invasive and takes less than 15 minutes.

“True breakthroughs in the field of ophthalmology are comparatively rare,” notes LSGPA President and CEO, Dr. Mel Billingsley, “which makes the potential impact on human health that much more exciting. We look forward to working alongside Apeliotus toward successful commercialization of the AdaptDx™.”

The Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania accelerates economic growth and life sciences technology commercialization through seed and pre-seed stage investments of up to $1 million in emerging life sciences companies. Clients include university-based researchers and technology development groups, startup companies, and firms seeking to expand or relocate. To date, more than $17 million has been invested in central PA’s life sciences industry. To learn more about our services and investment philosophy, visit www.LSGPA.com.