■ Visual testing system software and device maker M&S Technologies announced the first of 6 enhancements to its Clinical Trial Suite (CTS), intended to specifically address the needs of glaucoma and retina trial sponsors and researchers. The company’s new DVA-5000 device uses automated testing protocols that are significantly more efficient and accurate than traditional testing methods, according to a news release.

The unit is a response to increased interest in contrast sensitivity function and ETDRS testing from sponsors of glaucoma and retina clinical trials, explained Joe Marino, founder and global head of M&S Technologies, in a news release. “Investigator sites utilizing CTS testing protocols appreciate the significant time savings compared to their past experience with traditional testing methods,” said Marino. “Additionally, with CTS, biotechnicians are no longer concerned about erroneous data generated from the investigator sites due to human error during paper documentation and related calculation errors.”

All CTS modules, including the DVA-5000, are designed to provide consistently reliable paperless test results. The data are calculated automatically and are reviewable as a letter score, logMAR, decimal score, and Snellen equivalent. They can be obtained in XML or CSV format for export to any electronic data capture system, reading center, or other location as needed, the company noted. Moreover, the FDA recognizes CTS testing modules as acceptable for all phases of clinical trials, including premarket approval trials.

In recent years CTS has been used in more than 140 clinical trials and is now the first choice of clinical trial sponsors for computerized vision testing, according to the manufacturer.