Compex s.r.o., an ophthalmic device start-up headquartered in Brno (Czech Republic), has developed Jett Medical, the first MDR-approved therapy for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) based on direct-current (DC) stimulation.
Unmet Clinical Need
Meibomian Gland dysunction (MGD) is main cause of dry eye diseases and accounts for over 70 % of all dry-eye disease. No pharmaceutical agents are approved for its treatment, and current device-based options—thermal systems (LipiFlow®, iLux®) and light sources (IPL, LLLT)—have limited efficacy. They do not reverse gland atrophy, restore gland function, or mitigate pain and discomfort arising from mechanical abrasion and chronic ocular-surface inflammation. Persistent lipid-layer instability also degrades keratometry, compromises intra-ocular-lens (IOL) power calculations, and is leading cause of premium IOL dissatisfaction.
Technology: Direct Current stimulation
Jett Medical delivers patented and safe unipolar non-ablative direct current stimulation and DC plasma-assisted ablative treatment:
– Electro-modulation & Ca²⁺ influx depolarise epithelial membranes, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK/p38 cascades that drive acinar-progenitor migration and true glandular regeneration.
– Immuno-quiescence—DC polarises macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, reducing TNF-α and IL-6 and disrupting the chronic inflammatory cycle.
– Biomechanical extrusion— rhythmic stimulation contracts the orbicularis oculi and muscle of Riolan, expelling inspissated meibum, similar to the mechanism of action of mechanical meibomian gland expression.
– Antimicrobial & anti-biofilm action—electrolytic stress eradicates Demodex brevis and disrupts bacterial biofilm, resolving lid-wiper epitheliopathy and preventing reinfection.
– DC versus AC advantage—unipolar delivery provides higher spatial precision, minimal collateral heat, and intrinsic electroporation that can potentiate topical-drug uptake.
Unique Strategic Position
– True disease-modifier – only technology could lead to glands function regeneration rather than palliate obstruction.
– Triple therapeutic axis – regenerative, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions in an office-based procedure.
– Surgical synergy – lipid-layer restoration improves biometry predictability and halves enhancement rates, directly benefiting premium IOL surgeries.
– Robust economics—small foot print and low cast capital console plus sterile tips facilities clinics with quick ROI.
– Versatile Tool— applicable for various ocular surface and periorbital treatments including chalazion, conjunctivochalasis, xanthelasma and ptosis.
Our goal is to raise scientific and clinical awareness of regenerative DC therapy and to engage potential partners for expanding clinical applications and establishing distribution alliances.