Aeon Astron Europe B.V., receives a grant of EURO 500,000 from AgentschapNL
Aeon Astron Europe B.V., receives a grant of EURO 500,000 from AgentschapNL, Department of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands for its Biolens project.
Leiden, the Netherlands 1 February 2012
Aeon Astron Europe B.V. (Aeon Astron Europe) , has been awarded a governmental grant up to EURO 500,000 from AgentschapNL for its Biolens projects. This is an international collaboration project among Aeon Astron Europe, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands and Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan, R.O.C. The grant will be used to begin development of a multipurpose collagen-based ophthalmic lens for use in refractive correction, corneal repair, and drug delivery. The “International Innovation” subsidy program is an initiative of Agentschap NL, an agency of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, to encourage the development of bold and unconventional innovations.
Aeon Astron Europe was recognized for undertaking advancing a breakthrough development in the production of a potentially multipurpose ophthalmic lens, which is made by turning naturally occurring collagen into a transparent and biocompatible form of a contact lens that can easily be placed on the surface of the eye. The future of this collagen-based Biolens is highly promising. The unique features of providing ocular lubrication, corneal protection, refractive correction, drug delivery, along with the potential for better and faster wound healing, may eventually make these lenses a standard part of ophthalmic practice.
“We are honored that our creative and innovative plan to produce a unique, potentially multipurpose ophthalmic lens has been recognized by the Dutch government with the award of a highly competitive grant. Based on our long experience in the research of bio-scaffolds for regenerative solutions, and our accomplishments with other collagen-based tissue repair products marketed under ologen® brand, we have high expectations for significant success after our 6 year commitment to introduce this first-in-class ophthalmic lens to benefit worldwide ophthalmic patients,” said Mr. Michael H.J. Lai, the Chairman and company CEO.
