http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/14_02Feb/ellexg...

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/14_02Feb/ellexgrant.pdf

$250,000 State Government grant for fight against blindness

The State Government has provided $250,000 to local company– Ellex Medical Lasers Limited –as part of a push to establish Adelaide as leading medical device manufacturing hub.

Manufacturing Minister, Tom Kenyon said Ellex was another SA success story which had grown into a globally recognised medical device manufacturer specialising in the fight against blindness and other eye conditions.

“This funding will allow the company to further develop its advanced manufacturing capabilities in Adelaide,” Mr Kenyon said.

“Since 1985, Ellex Medical Lasers has been manufacturing and distributing leading-edge ophthalmic laser and imaging technology.

“The company has evolved from a small scientific laser company to a pioneer in the development of integrated medical technologies that help medical professionals to better diagnose and treat patients.

“The company is now a world-leading researcher into new and better treatments for ophthalmic disease.

“Among its current research efforts is 2RT™ (Retinal Rejuvenation Therapy) – a project focussing on new treatments for diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration,” Mr Kenyon said.

Ellex Medical Lasers CEO, Tom Spurling said the funding would assist the company to begin assembling in-house new products with significant export potential for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and retinal disease and to replace high-cost imported components.

“We estimate this new and additional capability will initially create 5 to 10 new, highly-skilled manufacturing jobs in Adelaide with the potential, subject to market demand, to grow that to 15 to 20 over the next three years,” Mr Spurling said.

Mr Kenyon said the establishment of medical and assistive devices capabilities in South Australia created enormous potential for ongoing research and development in this critical field.

“Importantly, the commercialisation of new technologies, products and services has the potential to create more new jobs in this field,” Mr Kenyon said.

Growing South Australia’s medical devices sector is a key focus of the State Government’s Manufacturing Works strategy