Vivani Subsidiary Cortigent Presents Promising 6-Year Early Feasibility Study Results for the Orion System at NANS 2026

Press release, January 29, 2026.

• Orion(R) Visual Cortical Prosthesis System: wirelessly powered and controlled implantable pulse generator connected to an array of 60 micro-electrodes designed for implantation on the surface of the visual cortex in blind patients; processing unit on belt converts real-time video from camera glasses into wireless commands to stimulate neuron populations and elicit phosphenes.
• Six-year Early Feasibility Study results presented by PI Nader Pouratian, MD, PhD (UT Southwestern) at NANS, Las Vegas, Jan 22-25, 2026.
• Six subjects implanted between January 2018 and January 2019; study concluded March 2025.
• All subjects improved with system on vs. off in visual function tests (detect small square on computer screen; detect movement across visual field).
• All subjects had a positive or mild positive Functional Low-vision Observer Rated Assessment (FLORA) score.
• All devices remained functional; fewer than 4% of electrodes lost functionality.
• Three subjects safely explanted after their 3-year visits; 1 subject explanted at conclusion of study (subject opt-outs / study design).
• One serious adverse event (seizure) early in the study; with stimulation pattern adjustments, no further seizures or SAEs.
• Orion being developed for profoundly blind people due to many common causes: more than 82,000 Americans according to a company-sponsored report.
• 5-year results were presented at “The Eye and The Chip” World Research Congress (Sep 2025); EFS was extended to a six-year study. EFS is NIH-funded (UH3NS103442); Cortigent’s lead neuroscientist Uday Patel, PhD.
• Cortigent is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivani Medical; legacy Argus II helped hundreds of profoundly blind patients.