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The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE



Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
kwent2@unm.edu

February 27, 2007

California Firm Licenses UNM Technology for Macular Degeneration

When age-related macular degeneration began to destroy his wife’s vision, University of New Mexico physics & astronomy emeritus professor McAllister H. Hull began looking for a solution. The result is a new technology that adds refractive properties to eyeglass lenses and redirects light to improve the central vision for people affected by the disease.

Select University Technologies, Inc. (SUTI) has now licensed the technology from STC.UNM, the technology transfer arm of UNM. SUTI will develop the technology through MacVision Corporation. “MacVision is an innovative technology, that will positively impact the quality of life for those suffering with macular degeneration,” Fred Rogers, SUTI president, said.

Hull will continue to work with SUTI to refine, science and develop a final product for commercialization. The lenses will be sold through optometrists. STC President & CEO Lisa Kuuttila said, “We are excited about the prospect of this product becoming available to people with macular degeneration. It is a technology with direct and immediate benefit to the public.”

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease affecting more than 2 million Americans. The disease damages the light sensitive retina and causes a blind spot in the central field of vision. The disease profoundly affects the lives of those who have it, claiming their ability to drive or to recognize the faces of friends and family.

The usual current means to compensate for the effects is hyper magnification. McVision reflects light into the portion of the retina unaffected by the disease to compensate for the loss in the central vision field.

SUTI is a technology commercialization firm launching new technology companies around products based on university research. STC.UNM is a non-profit organization wholly owned by UNM. STC assists in connecting the business community and UNM – to protect and transfer intellectual property and faculty inventions to the commercial marketplace and help companies wanting access to UNM facilities, expertise and research.

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