our history

Based on a novel imaging technology, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imalux Corporation was founded in 1996. But the story does not start there…

it began with an international scientific breakthrough...

By the 1990's, scientists at the world-famous Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences had earned a reputation of leadership in optical coherence tomography research. After almost a decade of innovation, they had developed the concept for an ingenious, cost-effective device that could literally put medical imaging in a new light. Through worldwide investigational studies, scientific presentations, and peer-reviewed publications they identified significant commercial potential for the technology, particularly in the field of medical imaging.

brought to America for further development...

Imalux was formed in 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio by a team that included the Russian inventors and the Cleveland law firm Hahn, Loeser & Parks. Over the next several years, the group (originally incorporated as Optical Coherence Technologies, Inc.) received initial seed funding to conduct investigational studies at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and file a series of U.S. patents. In 2001, based on early successes, the Company hired Paul Amazeen, Ph.D., an executive with significant imaging industry experience. The name of the Company was subsequently changed to Imalux (Image/Light).

The promise of the technology and presence of an experienced technical manager at the helm attracted an initial round of investment led by Early Stage Partners, a Cleveland based venture capital firm. The investor group also included Bill Sanford, Founder and Chairman of Symark LLC and the retired Chairman and CEO of STERIS Corporation, and BIOMEC, a Cleveland medical device development and manufacturing company. The funds invested were used to refine the business plan and technology.

In late 2002, the first round of financing was completed, adding three new investors. Imalux closed additional funding at the end of 2003, notably Reservoir Venture Partners of Columbus, OH. Another financing round was realized in mid-2004 and with these funds, the Company completed the development of Niris® , their first OCT imaging system. Imalux has received FDA clearance and ISO and CE Mark certification. Subsequent financing rounds, as well as its receipt of an NIH Fast-Track Award, have provided the required financing to complete clinical validation of the Niris.

guided by a world-class management team...

Imalux has continued its quest to acquire needed capital to perform the clinical studies needed prior to a formal product launch. Using the fiscal acumen of CFO Tom Barnish, the continuing research efforts of CTO Paul Amazeen, the clinical expertise of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nancy Tresser and the valued input of our engineering and technical staff, Chairman and CEO Mike Burke has focused Company efforts on seeking additional strategic clinical placements to further document the value of OCT. Though OCT has numerous potential applications, Imalux has focused its clinical efforts in urology, a field that offers many advantages to encourage widespread acceptance.