# LIQID Medical > Clinical-stage ophthalmic device company developing QMAX, a permanent surgical implant designed to equalize pressure across the optic nerve head. --- # Contact LIQID Medical | Glaucoma Investors, Partners & Talent URL: https://liqidmedical.com/contact Description: Talk to LIQID Medical about investment, strategic partnership, clinical collaboration, or careers in mechanism-led glaucoma surgery. info@liqidmedical.com · LinkedIn. # Talk to LIQID Medical. Investors, strategic partners, clinicians, and talent: start here. One inbox. We respond during US business hours. 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Continued use of the site after an update means you should review the new version. --- # QMAX Glaucoma Implant | Equalize Optic Nerve Pressure URL: https://liqidmedical.com/technology Description: QMAX links the eye's fluid pressure to the fluid space around the optic nerve, equalizing the pressure gradient that damages vision. Mechanism, surgical workflow, and clinical pathway. QMAX · Glaucoma # QMAX: the two-pressure glaucoma implant. Equalizing pressure across the optic nerve head. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve through a pressure gradient between the inside of the eye and the fluid around the nerve. QMAX is a first-in-class implant designed to neutralize that gradient.
Illustration of QMAX routing fluid to equalize pressure across the optic nerve.
## The translaminar pressure gradientTranslaminar pressure gradientThe pressure difference across the optic nerve head between IOP and ICP. A sustained gradient strains nerve fibers. The optic nerve consists of roughly one million fibers, each one carrying pieces of the world we see from the retina to the brain. These fibres exit the eye through the semi-ridged mesh called the Lamina Cribrosa. Optic nerve fibres at the Lamina Cribrosa are exposed to two pressures: intraocular pressure (IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve head) in front and the intracranial pressure (ICPIntracranial PressurePressure from cerebrospinal fluid behind the eye, pushing forward against the optic nerve head) in the space behind the nerve. What strains and damages the nerve is the difference between them, the translaminar pressure gradientTranslaminar pressure gradientThe pressure difference across the optic nerve head between IOP and ICP. A sustained gradient strains nerve fibers.. Lowering IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve head alone narrows that gap from one side only. If the gradient remains, nerve fibers keep dying.
Illustration of intraocular and intracranial pressure opposing at the optic nerve head.
Lamina cribrosaIOPICP
### What QMAX is designed to do
Close-up of the QMAX micro-shunt tube at the optic nerve sheath.
QMAX implant tube.
- Connects the fluid pressures in the eye to the fluid pressure around the optic nerve - Equalizes pressure across the optic nerve headOptic Nerve HeadWhere ICP and IOP act on the optic nerve fibers as they exit the eye - Operates without a filtering bleb and without anti-fibrotic agents - Targets both high-IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve head and normal-tension glaucoma populations ## What QMAX is not ### Not a trabecular shunt. Does not drain into Schlemm's canal. ### Not a bleb-based filter. No subconjunctival blister, no bleb revision. ### Not an IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve head\-only device. Built to equalize translaminar pressure, not only lower IOP. The result is a device designed to address what other surgeries leave on the table, including the patients whose vision keeps dropping at "normal" IOPs.
QMAX implant without a filtering bleb.
QMAX is designed to treat glaucoma without draining into a subconjunctival blister
Endoscopic QMAX delivery with QSCOPE.
## Simple, quick and repeatable endoscopic workflow QMAX is delivered with QSCOPE, a single-use endoscopic system that gently tents the nerve sheath into a protected space and places the implant. ### Designed to be - Simple, quick and repeatable - Single use minimally invasive endoscopic insertion - High-turnover workflow compatible - Free of post-op bleb management ## Route to market QMAX is on a defined regulatory and clinical pathway toward US market access. The milestones below are forward-looking and subject to change; they are presented for investor and partner context, not as guarantees. 1. 2023 First in Human 2. 2026 Feasibility Study 3. 2027 Endoscopic Delivery Feasibility Study 4. 2028 FDA IDE 5. 2028–2030 Pivotal Trials 6. 2030 FDA De Novo Approval (targeted) ## What leaders in glaucoma are saying Insights from advisors who have reviewed QMAX. > I believe deeply in the team, the science, the product, the leadership. They have a real chance to transform glaucoma. > > John Berdahl, MD > > ![Portrait of John Berdahl, MD](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/scientific_advisor-j_berdahl.CecINoW4_F5Hse.webp) > The first device targeting the actual mechanism behind visual field loss… a transformational change in the treatment of glaucoma. > > Richard Beckman, MD > > ![Portrait of Richard Beckman, MD](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/scientific_advisor-r_beckman.CUDYouHA_18ScK3.webp) > The QMAX addresses the fundamental limitations of current devices. > > Reay Brown, MD > > ![Portrait of Reay Brown, MD](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/portrait_reay-brown.BOM9IIiG_5HI5H.webp) > My only concern with the QMAX is that I didn't invent it myself > > Michael Belkin, MD > > ![Portrait of Michael Belkin, MD](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/scientific_advisor-m_belkin.CGHd1BbC_NNIJM.webp) ## The science behind the device - **10 global patent families** covering the ONSAS mechanism, the device and delivery system, and the surgical method - First-in-human experience across three device generations, engineering out failure modes generation by generation - Clinical pathway routed through US sites [Talk to the team](https://liqidmedical.com/contact) --- # Website Terms of Use URL: https://liqidmedical.com/terms-of-use Description: Terms for using the LIQID Medical website, including investigational-device notices, intellectual property, and limitation of liability. Legal # Terms of Use The conditions that apply when you use liqidmedical.com. Last updated 14 August 2026 ## Agreement By using this website you agree to these terms and to our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the site. These terms are between you and LIQID Medical (Pty) Ltd. ## Investigational device — not for sale QMAX and related technologies described on this site are in research and development. They have not been submitted to or cleared or approved by any regulatory authority. They are not available for sale. Content on this site is for information only and is intended for investigational research discussion with qualified audiences. It is not an offer to sell a medical device and it is not instructions for use. ## No medical advice Nothing on this website is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation of treatment for any person. Always consult a qualified clinician. 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Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. --- # LIQID Medical | Glaucoma is a Two-Pressure Disease URL: https://liqidmedical.com/ Description: A clinical-stage ophthalmic device company developing QMAX, a permanent surgical implant designed to equalize the pressure difference over the optic nerve head Medical Device · Glaucoma # Glaucoma is a two-pressure disease. QMAX is the first implant built to treat it that way. [See how QMAX works](#home-qmax)[Meet the team](#home-team) Translaminar gradientTranslaminar pressure gradientThe pressure difference across the optic nerve head between IOP and ICP. A sustained gradient strains nerve fibers. The pressure difference between IOP and ICP drives optic nerve damage in glaucoma Intraocular pressure (IOP)Intraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve headTranslaminar pressure zoneTranslaminar pressure zoneThe region across the optic nerve head where the pressure difference between IOP and ICP builds and strains nerve fibers — not a single point, but where the opposing pressures meet.Intracranial pressure (ICP)Intracranial PressurePressure from cerebrospinal fluid behind the eye, pushing forward against the optic nerve head ![QMAX](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/qmax-logo.C41V0QY8_Z1TAPDA.svg) ## First-in-class glaucoma implant A permanently implanted, bleb-free, micro-shunt designed to relieve the strain on the optic nerve by equalizing the pressure difference over the optic nerve headOptic Nerve HeadWhere ICP and IOP act on the optic nerve fibers as they exit the eye, addressing the underlying mechanism behind vision loss in glaucoma.
Cross-section of QMAX implant equalizing pressure at the optic nerve head.
IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve headOptic nerve headOptic Nerve HeadWhere ICP and IOP act on the optic nerve fibers as they exit the eyeICPIntracranial PressurePressure from cerebrospinal fluid behind the eye, pushing forward against the optic nerve head
![QSCOPE endoscopic delivery system close-up.](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/qmax-endoscopic_delivery-image.B6VBA3my_1rItbP.webp) ### Endoscopic delivery. QSCOPE, a single-use endoscopic system designed for the high turnover workflow. ![Illustration showing QMAX does not create a filtering bleb.](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/qmax_section-no_bleb-image-21x9.BaOF_WIx_Z13TACI.webp) ### No bleb. A closed pathway, with no bleb to manage or revise. ![Illustration of mitomycin C packaging — agents QMAX does not require.](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/qmax-mitomycin_image-no_logo.0yD9Gnyr_z8AeB.webp) ### No anti-fibrotics. No reliance on mitomycin C or anti-scarring agents. [More about the QMAX](https://liqidmedical.com/technology) ## Glaucoma is the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness Worldwide, over 80 million people live with glaucoma. Today's surgeries and drugs aim to lower eye pressure, and yet vision loss continues.
The Progression of Glaucoma

Healthy Visual Field

80M+ people living with glaucoma globally 1 in 4 patients will go blind in at least one eye from glaucoma Cause Glaucoma damages vision when sustained pressure strains the optic nerve headOptic Nerve HeadWhere ICP and IOP act on the optic nerve fibers as they exit the eye. Fluid pressure inside the eye (IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve head) and fluid pressure around the optic nerve (ICPIntracranial PressurePressure from cerebrospinal fluid behind the eye, pushing forward against the optic nerve head) both matter. When the **translaminar gradientTranslaminar pressure gradientThe pressure difference across the optic nerve head between IOP and ICP. A sustained gradient strains nerve fibers.** between them stays elevated, nerve fibers are damaged and sight is lost, even when eye pressure looks acceptable on its own. Treating IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve head alone leaves half the equation untouched. Over the past decade, the field has increasingly converged on this gradient as a primary driver of vision loss, and QMAX is built to address it directly. Inside the eye The pressure inside the eye. ![Cross-section of the eye showing pressure from within the globe.](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/gl_inside-eye-pressure._l6rsjAM_1nr6oc.webp)IOP Around the optic nerve The pressure in the fluid space around the optic nerve. ![Optic nerve head showing opposing pressure from around the nerve.](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/gl_around-optic-nerve-pressure.Dmwff_P-_lmhOH.webp)ICP Symptoms Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight because it can progress with few or no early symptoms. Peripheral vision may narrow first; over time, untreated disease can lead to tunnel vision and irreversible blindness. Regular eye exams are essential because damage can occur before a person notices vision loss.
Mild glaucoma visual field loss.Mild glaucoma visual field loss.
Mild Glaucoma
Moderate glaucoma visual field loss.Moderate glaucoma visual field loss.Moderate glaucoma visual field loss.
Moderate Glaucoma
Severe glaucoma visual field loss.Severe glaucoma visual field loss.Severe glaucoma visual field loss.Severe glaucoma visual field loss.
Severe Glaucoma
Complete loss of vision.Complete loss of vision.Complete loss of vision.Complete loss of vision.Complete loss of vision.
Blindness
Current treatments Most care today lowers **IOPIntraocular PressurePressure inside the eye, pushing outward against the optic nerve head** with eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery such as trabeculectomy, tube shunts, and MIGS devices. These approaches can slow progression, but they focus on pressure inside the eye, not the full pressure difference across the optic nerve headOptic Nerve HeadWhere ICP and IOP act on the optic nerve fibers as they exit the eye that drives nerve strain. 50% of tube shunt devices fail within the first five years ![Overview illustration of conventional glaucoma shunt treatment.](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/gl_shunt-treatment_overview_1x1.3zowQU33_1EWzRp.webp) 50% of patients self discontinue Topical IOP lowering medication after 6 months. ![Illustration of topical IOP-lowering eye drops and tablets.](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/glaucoma-current_treatment-topical.eteuxwlo_11cbL8.webp) ## Built by surgeons, engineers, and operators. LIQID (est. 2017) is led by a glaucoma surgeon-founder and a multidisciplinary team across biomedical engineering, clinical research, regulatory, and quality. Management teamBoardAdvisors ![Headshot: Daemon McClunan](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/team_daemon-mcclunan.BiFhqF3S_MyzYG.webp) Daemon McClunan Chairman Dr. McClunan’s achievements challenge the frontiers of ophthalmic research and development. He is acclaimed amongst his peers as the youngest ever member nominated to the South African Glaucoma Society exco. He is the creator of QMAX, and the founder of LIQID Medical and the Atlantic Eye Centers. ![Headshot: John Berdahl](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/scientific_advisor-j_berdahl.CecINoW4_VCJXY.webp) John Berdahl Director Globally recognized for his pioneering work on translaminar pressure. He is the creator of multiple FDA-approved products and the founder of Balance Therapeutics, focused on non-invasive IOP modulation. His publications and innovations have laid the groundwork for market adoption of the QMAX ![Headshot: Dick Lindstrom](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/scientific_advisor-richard_lindstrom.ANWAmo4z_czWXj.webp) Dick Lindstrom Director Globally recognized ophthalmic innovator who has advised and invested in numerous ophthalmic start-ups, guiding technologies from early R&D through FDA approval and global market entry. His key support to LIQID lies in leading fundraising, private-equity partnerships, and strategic transactions ![Headshot: Rick Beckman](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/scientific_advisor-r_beckman.CUDYouHA_1pqfgN.webp) Rick Beckman Director Board-certified ophthalmologist, with over 30 years bridging clinical practice and ophthalmic industry. He has served as Chief Medical Officer across a string of ophthalmic innovators and led glaucoma development at Alcon spanning both pharmaceuticals and devices, bringing LIQID deep regulatory and clinical-development experience ![Headshot: Sarah Mthintso](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/team_sarah-mthintso.BuSCUUpr_Z1N7920.webp) Sarah Mthintso Director Executive Director of the SAB Foundation, with over two decades leading social impact, transformation and public policy work. She has held executive roles at Telkom, Old Mutual and Vodacom South Africa, and brings deep experience translating South African innovation into funded, scaled ventures. ![Headshot: Duncan Miller](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/team_duncan-miller.DH26ISYR_AIIiJ.webp) Duncan Miller Director Entrepreneur and investor with three decades structuring capital for early-stage technology businesses. He conceptualised and delivered the JSE AltX listing of South Africa's first call-centre outsourcing business, has structured over $40 million in acquisitions, and co-founded venture and angel investment vehicles backing emerging biotech, life-sciences and electronics ventures. **Headquarters:** Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. ## Supported by ![CDI Capital](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/funder-logo_cdi-capital.Kxa4rzfx_Zv7PDq.svg)![SAB Foundation](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/funder-logo_sab-foundation.ua8VKPD7_1E7jPC.webp)![TIA](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/funder-logo_tia.YcmHue26_Z1xOsCX.svg)![Savant](https://liqidmedical.com/_astro/funder-logo_savant.IHYpHatP_D6v7A.svg) ## Three ways you can move QMAX forward. ### Investors QMAX targets the translaminar pressure gradient at the optic nerve head, providing neuroprotection, not just IOP reduction. We're advancing toward US clinical milestones. If that thesis fits yours, we want to talk. [Open an investor conversation](https://liqidmedical.com/contact?subject=Investor%20inquiry) ### Strategic partners Surgical innovators, distributors, and strategics: QMAX is built for the high turnover workflow and the next paradigm of glaucoma care. [Discuss partnership](https://liqidmedical.com/contact?subject=Partnership%20inquiry) ### Talent Engineering, clinical, regulatory, quality. Send your CV. We will read it. [Email us](mailto:careers@liqidmedical.com) --- ## Investigational device This device is currently in the research and development phase and has not been submitted to or cleared/approved by any regulatory authority. It is not available for sale. This device is intended solely for investigational research purposes.