Changing the World of Eye Medicine: Replacing Eye Injections with Drops
Yaakov Michlin, CEO of BioLight and Chairman of the MIXiii Health-Tech.IL conference to be held on March 4-5, reveals in a special interview how innovations in medical technologies are about to significantly ease the burden on patients with eye diseases
"Imagine a world where there is no longer a need for painful eye injections." Yaakov Michlin, CEO of BioLight and Chairman of the MIXiii Health-Tech.IL conference, smiles as he describes one of the most significant breakthroughs in the field of ophthalmology. "Every month, millions of patients with retinal diseases around the world are forced to deal with fear and pain when they receive injections directly into the eye. New technologies to be presented at the upcoming conference may completely change this reality."
In our conversation with Michlin, a few days before the opening of the major conference, we asked to hear more about these exciting innovations and the role Israel plays in advancing breakthrough medical technologies.
Yaakov, tell us about the MIXiii conference and the innovations expected this year.
"The MIXiii conference is actually the most significant meeting point in Israel between the worlds of high-tech and biotech. We manage to bring together under one roof the leading players from industry, academia, and the financial sector. What distinguishes the conference this year is the focus on practical innovation and technologies that are already moving from the laboratory to the real world. In the field of ophthalmology, for example, we will present revolutionary developments that are changing the treatment of diseases affecting millions of people worldwide."
What makes the field of ophthalmology such a significant focus of interest in the industry?
"The truth is that there are many more eye diseases than most people think. It's a very broad field with many needs that have not yet received an adequate response. At BioLight, we identify significant opportunities in this area - both in terms of medical need and business potential. The companies in which we invest are developing solutions for a wide range of diseases, from glaucoma and dry eyes to complex retinal problems." As part of the conference, a lifetime achievement award will be presented to Professor Michael Belkin, who is a veteran ophthalmologist and one of the world leaders in innovation. A company he founded – Belkin Vision (in which BioLight also invested) – was sold in 2024 to Alcon for an amount that could reach up to $420 million.
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Yaakov Michlin, CEO of BioLight and Chairman of the MIXiii Health-Tech.IL
(photo:Aharon Gedaliah )
That sounds like a significant breakthrough. Can you elaborate on these new technologies?
"One of the most promising technologies from BioLight that will be presented at the conference is the ability to convert eye injections to simple eye drops. Currently, treatment of many eye diseases, especially those related to the retina such as macular degeneration, requires injections directly into the eye. This is an unpleasant procedure that many patients fear, and it also requires a visit to a dedicated ophthalmologist. The new technology being developed will allow the delivery of active ingredients to the retina through simple eye drops, which can completely change the patient experience and improve the accessibility and efficiency of treatments."
As part of the eye session at the conference, many other breakthrough technologies will be presented, such as methods for producing artificial corneas, software-based tools for vision improvement, new drugs for various eye diseases, innovative medical devices, and more.
Besides technologies for patients, will the conference also address other aspects of drug development?
"Definitely. One of the important topics to be presented at the conference is the advancement of projects aimed at replacing animal testing with advanced laboratory tests. This is a rapidly developing field that includes technologies such as 'organs on chip' and three-dimensional models of human tissues. Beyond ethical considerations, this also allows for more precise experiments that better simulate the human response to drugs." This session will be led by Dr. Eran Harari and Dana Bar-On from Teva.
Finally, beyond the technologies you mentioned, where do you see yourself and the companies you lead in the coming years?
"Our main goal at BioLight is to bring innovative drugs and treatments to the market for the actual treatment of eye diseases worldwide. The companies we invest in are working on several promising developments in the field of ophthalmology, and the MIXiii conference is an excellent opportunity to present them to potential investors and partners. Personally, I always strive to progress and make an impact, and perhaps in the future even lead projects at the national level."
