 BOptom MComm, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adventus Technology Australia Ltd
Ms Sylvie Franz is CEO of Adventus Technology Australia Ltd. She has over 20 years experience in new product development, including basic research and development, clinical research and regulatory affairs. Sylvie has an excellent track record in successfully developing ophthalmic devices from concept to realisation.
She was instrumental in the introduction of the Biomedics Cover Girl Color contact lenses, Biofinity Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses and PresbyLens Intra Corneal Implant. Her other accomplishments include building organisations and establishing infrastructure. She was one of the founders of the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE) and the first Director of the International Association for Contact Lens Educators (IACLE).
Prior to her involvement with Adventus Technology, Sylvie was Vice-President of Clinical Affairs at ReVision Optics Inc., where she lead, formulated and implemented clinical strategies for regulatory and product development studies. She was previously Director of Clinical Affairs at Cooper Vision, Ocular Sciences and Executive Director of ICEE.
Sylvie has Bachelor of Optometry (Hons) and Masters of Commerce degrees from the University of New South Wales.
Abstract
Breakthrough products in the ophthalmic medical device field are rare. The industry traditionally meets new challenges by relying on incremental, and often inadequate, modifications to existing technologies. For cataract, Intra Ocular Lenses have been the standard treatment of choice. In refractive surgery, since the introduction of LASIK, no new product has emerged. Attempts to address the disadvantages of subtractive technology using additive approaches include the intra-stromal corneal implant.
Adventus Technology is working to bring two new breakthrough technologies to market. The Corneal Onlay procedure places a ‘mini-implant’ or lenticule under the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) to potentially correct refractive errors and is a minimally invasive procedure. Dynamic Vision Gel is a novel technology that refills the crystalline lens capsule with an injectable polymer, restoring accommodation for presbyopes or following cataract surgery. With both procedures, the lens or gel can be removed if needed.
Adventus Technology was created to complete the development, obtain regulatory approval and market these two unique proprietary concepts. Starting a new company involves setting up the right infra-structure to deliver products that are superior to other current options. These pose challenges as new technology creates a paradigm shift from the standard practice and consumer mindset. Furthermore, regulatory pathways and existing standards are only relevant to current practice and may not be applicable to breakthrough technologies. New performance measures to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the products need to be established.
Fundamental needs include resources, funding, excellence in basic and applied research, design and implementation teams with an outstanding and verifiable record of success, good technology, a manufacturing system that is compliant with the regulated requirements and extensive clinical research to make it successful. Various risks, regulatory approvals, competitors and other aspects relevant in the development of breakthrough products will
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