July 19, 2024
In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Max Ostermeier. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of ImplantData Ophthalmic Products and has an impressive background, transitioning from a career in finance to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the medtech industry. His innovative spirit and dedication to improving patient care have led to the development of several groundbreaking technologies. Through his ventures, he has a successful track record of regulatory approval, fundraising, and strategic exits through acquisition.
Today, Max’s work through ImplantData Opthalmic Products is focused on developing an implantable sensor for continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH is a digital health company, based in Hannover Germany. The company’s mission is to address a vastly underserved need in care of glaucoma patients, by combining innovative medical technology with state of the art information technology.
Below is a summary of our conversation.
From Finance to Medtech Innovator
Max’s career began in Finance, but he quickly realized his true passion lay elsewhere. With the guidance of a mentor, he transitioned into the biotech sector, eventually becoming the CEO of a newly formed biotech company. This role ignited his enthusiasm for creating impactful technologies. After several successful ventures, including developing a portable device for detecting traumatic brain injuries and a microsensor for measuring brain pressure in hydrocephalus patients, Max founded Implandata Ophthalmic Products, IOP, to address a significant unmet need in ophthalmology.
Revolutionizing Glaucoma Care
ImplantData Ophthalmic Products is dedicated to improving the management of glaucoma, a chronic eye disease and the leading cause of permanent vision loss worldwide. Traditional methods of monitoring intraocular pressure are limited to infrequent office visits, providing only a snapshot of the patient’s condition. Recognizing the dynamic nature of Implandata, Max and his team developed a tiny implantable sensor that continuously monitors eye pressure, providing real-time data to both patients and their doctors.
Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes
The implantable sensor, inspired by tire pressure monitoring systems in the automotive industry, allows for continuous, remote monitoring of intraocular pressure. This breakthrough technology empowers patients to self-monitor their condition and enables doctors to provide more personalized and timely care. The sensor’s data is transmitted via the patient’s smartphone to a cloud-based database, where it can be accessed by the patient’s eye doctor through a secure dashboard. This innovation not only improves patient outcomes but also helps manage the growing number of glaucoma patients more efficiently.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Max discussed the challenges of developing durable, long-term sensors suitable for chronic disease management. He emphasized the importance of having a strong, experienced team and the value of involving key opinion leaders early in the development process. Max also highlighted the favorable environment for innovation in eye care, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing tech-savviness of patients.
Future Directions and Vision
Looking ahead, Max and his team at IOP are focused on expanding their product’s reach in Europe and entering the U.S. market, leveraging their breakthrough device designation from the FDA. They are also exploring applications for their technology in other chronic diseases, such as liver and cardiovascular conditions. Max and his team believes in the power of a single idea to change the world and remains dedicated to providing better care for patients through innovative solutions.
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Implandata: www.implandata.com
About this Guest
Max G. Ostermeier (MBA) is the co-founder and CEO of Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH. He brings extensive experience in the commercial development of advanced technologies, building operational capabilities for rapidly growing companies, and creating businesses that attract global acquirers.
As a serial entrepreneur, Max founded and managed Odicrain GmbH, a German medical device start-up that developed a pioneering portable device for the rapid detection of intracranial bleedings, which was acquired by a US-based company in 2007. He also co-founded and served as CEO of Cranium Telemetrics GmbH, a medical technology company specializing in innovative neurosurgical products, which was acquired by a leading US medical device company four years after its founding. Additionally, Max played a key role in establishing a biotech entity for a globally leading fine chemistry company, where he served as General Manager and Vice-President until its acquisition by Sigma Aldrich.
Dr. Vincent Keereman is the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Xeos, a medtech company with the goal to eliminate the risk of resurgery through smarter specimen imaging.
Aaron is the Chief Executive Officer at CEGA Innovations located in Sioux Falls, SD. Before co founding CEGA, Aaron honed his expertise as a litigation attorney, specializing in complex commercial disputes and risk advisement. His rich background also extends into the academic realm, having delved into neuroscience at the University of South Dakota and Creighton University School of Medicine, kidney ischemia research at University Physicians, and cardiovascular studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Lisa is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Biomechanics Research at the University of South Dakota. With a career spanning academia and applied science, she explores the complexities of human movement to optimize performance, reduce injury risks, and enhance rehabilitation. Her interdisciplinary approach involves collaborations across medicine, kinesiology, therapy, psychology, and computer science. Previously, she led the Sanford Sports Science Institute and now focuses on integrating AI and computer vision into biomechanics, making advanced motion-capture technology more accessible. Dr. MacFadden is also dedicated to STEM outreach, inspiring students to pursue careers in biomechanics through initiatives like the Biomechanics Initiative. Today, her work continues to advance the field, combining advanced technology with a passion for teaching and mentoring.
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