KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 25 -- Photogen Technologies, Inc. and Coherent, Inc.'s Laser Group have jointly designed and built what is believed to be the first medical ultrafast laser device for treating ocular melanoma (a cancer of the eye) and advanced macular degeneration.
The new laser device utilizes Photogen's proprietary multi-photon activation technology and special beam focusing and scanning capabilities. Pre-clinical trials using this ultrafast laser device with various photoactive agents on patients with ocular melanoma and advanced macular degeneration are underway at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate with which Photogen has a research agreement. The trials are expected to be completed in the near future.