Pixium Vision
Pixium Vision SA was a Paris-based clinical-stage medical device company developing the PRIMA wireless photovoltaic subretinal implant to restore central vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration; acquired by Science Corporation in 2024.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersParis, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Pixium Vision does
Pixium Vision SA was a French medical device company founded in Paris that developed the PRIMA retinal implant system, a wireless photovoltaic subretinal prosthesis designed to restore central vision in patients suffering from advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The PRIMA device converts light into electrical neural signals that stimulate remaining retinal cells, bypassing damaged photoreceptors to enable patients to regain functional central vision including the ability to read letters and recognize faces. Clinical evidence from 38 participants published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated measurable vision improvement in approximately 80% of subjects, positioning PRIMA as a differentiated entrant in the global visual prosthesis market projected to reach $1.049B by 2034.
The company operated as a clinical-stage medical device developer, monetizing through future commercialization of the PRIMA implant rather than current product sales. Distribution was structured around specialized ophthalmology centers and clinical trial sites given the surgical nature of subretinal implantation. Total disclosed funding across four rounds (2012-2020) reached approximately $41M, with backing from European life science investors including Sofinnova Partners, Bpifrance, Kreos Capital, Abingworth, InnoBio Fund, and Omnes Capital. Leadership included CTO Guillaume Buc, Director of Clinical Affairs Ralf Hornig, and Regulatory/Quality Director Karine Chevrie.
In 2024, Pixium Vision SA's assets — including the PRIMA technology and ongoing clinical trials — were acquired by Science Corporation (led by former Neuralink President Max Hodak). Following the acquisition, Pixium Vision SA no longer operates as an independent entity; European clinical trial sponsorship and legal manufacturing were transferred to La Science SAS, a Science Corporation affiliate. The Pixium Vision product page now redirects to Science Corporation's domain.
Pixium Vision firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pixium Vision
- Legal name
- Pixium Vision SA
- Website
- https://pixium-vision.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Pixium Vision SA was a Paris-based clinical-stage medical device company developing the PRIMA wireless photovoltaic subretinal implant to restore central vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration; acquired by Science Corporation in 2024.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pixium Vision industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Visual Prosthetics / Retinal Implants
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115)
- SIC
- Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids) (HLAHAJAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Ophthalmic Regeneration (cornea/retina) (HLAAAGAK)
Keywords
Where Pixium Vision is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paris
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
Pixium Vision business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Pixium Vision product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pixium Vision developed the PRIMA retinal implant, a wireless photovoltaic subretinal prosthetic device that restores central vision in patients with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The implant converts light into electrical signals transmitted via the visual cortex, enabling patients to regain abilities such as reading letters and recognizing faces. The device was originally developed in collaboration with Stanford scientists and demonstrated an 80% success rate in clinical trials.
Product overview
Pixium Vision developed the PRIMA retinal implant, a bionic vision system designed to restore central vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration. The company's assets, including ongoing clinical trials and the PRIMA device, were acquired by Science Corporation in 2024. The European clinical trials are sponsored by La Science SAS. The PRIMA implant works by converting light into neural signals that the brain can interpret, helping patients regain sight.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PRIMA Retinal Implant The PRIMA retinal implant is a wireless bionic vision system that restores sight in patients with advanced macular degeneration by converting light into electrical signals transmitted via the visual cortex. It is designed for patients with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who have lost central vision and is implanted via specialized ophthalmic surgery.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80% of participants showed measurable vision improvement
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Pixium Vision
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Pixium Vision technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Pixium Vision partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Science CorporationScience Corporation acquired Pixium Vision SA's assets including the PRIMA retinal implant technology and ongoing clinical trials in late-stage macular degeneration in 2024. Science Corporation is continuing the development and commercialization of the PRIMA device.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Pixium Vision competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- GenSight Biologics: GenSight Biologics develops gene therapy approaches (e.g., Lumevoq for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy) that compete with PRIMA in restoring vision in patients with retinal/optic nerve disorders, representing a non-device alternative modality in adjacent indications.
- eSight Eyewear: eSight develops electronic glasses that enhance functional vision for low-vision patients, including those with macular degeneration. It addresses the same patient population as PRIMA via a non-invasive wearable rather than a surgical implant.
- OrCam Technologies: OrCam produces AI-driven wearable assistive vision devices (MyEye) for visually impaired users, offering an alternative non-invasive approach to functional vision support that competes for the same AMD/low-vision patient segment.
- Nano Retina: Nano Retina is an Israeli emerging player developing the NR600 retinal implant for vision restoration in retinal degenerative diseases. It targets the same patient population as PRIMA with a competing miniaturized implant approach.
- Bionic Vision Technologies: Bionic Vision Technologies is an Australian company developing the Phoenix bionic eye system for retinitis pigmentosa, a comparable suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis targeting the same functional vision restoration use case as PRIMA.
Direct peers
- Retina Implant AG: Retina Implant AG developed the subretinal Alpha IMS/AMS implant for retinitis pigmentosa using a photovoltaic-style approach, directly comparable to PRIMA's mechanism. Both companies are European and pioneered subretinal wireless implant architectures for blindness.
- Second Sight Medical Products: Second Sight developed the Argus retinal prosthesis system for retinitis pigmentosa and advanced AMD, making it the most direct historical peer to PRIMA in subretinal/epiretinal vision restoration implants. Both target restoration of functional vision in patients with profound photoreceptor loss.
- Science Corporation: Science Corporation acquired Pixium Vision's PRIMA assets in 2024 and now owns and is commercializing the device through La Science SAS, making it both the acquirer and the primary entity advancing PRIMA's clinical and commercial development.
Others
- Neuralink: Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, develops brain-computer interface implants and shares leadership ecosystem overlap with Science Corporation (Max Hodak was Neuralink's former president). It represents an adjacent neurotechnology modality that competes for capital and talent in the implantable vision-restoration space.
- Corning Incorporated: Corning supplies advanced optical materials and components used across ophthalmic and medical device applications, relevant as a potential supplier of specialized optical/coating materials for next-generation retinal implants like PRIMA.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Pixium Vision social profiles
Digital presencePixium Vision financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pixium Vision leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Pixium Vision funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pixium Vision M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pixium Vision
What does Pixium Vision do?
Pixium Vision developed the PRIMA retinal implant, a wireless photovoltaic subretinal prosthetic device that restores central vision in patients with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The implant converts light into electrical signals transmitted via the visual cortex, enabling patients to regain abilities such as reading letters and recognizing faces. The device was originally developed in collaboration with Stanford scientists and demonstrated an 80% success rate in clinical trials.
Is Pixium Vision a public or private company?
Pixium Vision is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was Pixium Vision founded?
Pixium Vision was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pixium Vision based?
Pixium Vision is headquartered in Paris, France, in the Europe region.
Who are Pixium Vision's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are GenSight Biologics, eSight Eyewear, OrCam Technologies, Nano Retina and Bionic Vision Technologies. Direct peers are Retina Implant AG, Second Sight Medical Products and Science Corporation. Others are Neuralink and Corning Incorporated.
Does Pixium Vision have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pixium Vision.
What industry is Pixium Vision in?
Pixium Vision's product category is Visual Prosthetics / Retinal Implants. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAJAN, Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids), with a secondary code of HLAAAGAK, Ophthalmic Regeneration (cornea/retina). Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3845.