Three companies a step away from winning the Swiss Medtech Award

Every year, the Swiss Medtech Award honours the most outstanding medical technologies in Switzerland. From its shortlist of eleven start-ups, the selection committee has nominated three companies that will have the opportunity to present their ideas to the audience at the Swiss Medtech Day. The winner will take home a cash prize of CHF 50,000.

The finalists are;

Aleva Neurotherapeutics
The EPFL spinoff from the Microsystems Laboratory founded in 2008 developed is the leading developer of implants for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in major neurological indications such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Its DirectSTIM is the first directional Deep Brain Stimulation implantable system, which incorporates first-in-class directional-electrode technology with an easy-to-use patient programming interface. This approach will enable functional neurosurgery teams to provide better outcomes for their patients. The device has already obtained the CE marked for sale in Europe as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.

Rheon Medical
The start-up founded in 2010 developed an eyeWatch drainage system as an optimal surgical solution for glaucoma, a disease that affects more than 70 million people worldwide. EyeWatch device is an unprecedented glaucoma device that allows post-operative flow adjustment in clinics. The innovative mechanism reduces the risk of under and over-drainage that can occur with current drainage devices, hence decreasing potential side effects or the need for further surgery. In March this year, Rheon Medical together with its partner from Spain, implanted the first eyeWatch in patients.

VirtaMed
With its LaparoS/LapTrainer, VirtaMed founded in 2007 developed a procedure simulator for medical training of minimally invasive procedures. The device enables doctors to improve their laparoscopic skills using the next generation of haptic feedback combined with virtual reality graphics.

“I am always impressed by the innovative strength of the Swiss medical technology industry. There is a lot of work, persistence and passion behind each of these technological developments. All three nominated companies are already successful on the market with their products,” commented Peter Biedermann, Managing Director of Swiss Medtech, on the jury’s decision.

(Press release/RAN)