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    Dallas Salazar

    Research Analyst at Atlas Consulting

    Dallas Salazar's questions to Vivani Medical (VANI) leadership

    Dallas Salazar's questions to Vivani Medical (VANI) leadership • Q2 2017

    Question

    Dallas Salazar from Atlas Consulting asked for a ranking of U.S. versus outside-U.S. (OUS) markets by expected strength over the next year. He also questioned if the proposed 2018 CMS reimbursement rate of $122,000 for the Argus II is likely to change and what materials the company is submitting to advocate for an increase.

    Answer

    Will McGuire, President and CEO, stated that the U.S. market holds the highest growth potential due to geographic expansion, new Medicare coverage from Novitas, a growing patient database, and more centers performing regular implants. Regarding the CMS rate, McGuire confirmed it could change as it's based on limited 2016 claims data. He noted the company believes the current $150,000 rate is appropriate and will submit comments to CMS advocating for it, expecting customers and trade groups to do likewise.

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    Dallas Salazar's questions to Vivani Medical (VANI) leadership • Q4 2016

    Question

    Dallas Salazar from Atlas Consulting asked for confirmation of an uptick in implant volumes following the establishment of the new 2017 reimbursement rate for the Argus II and requested context on current activity levels versus the company's internal expectations.

    Answer

    President and CEO Will McGuire confirmed that the new $150,000 reimbursement rate has been a positive development, removing financial impediments for implanting centers. However, he attributed the expected increase in 2017 US implant volumes more to the comprehensive Centers of Excellence model, which improves patient screening, simplifies programming, and standardizes rehab. He reiterated the strong Q1 start with 15 implants completed or scheduled, indicating this momentum is expected to continue into Q2.

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    Dallas Salazar's questions to EYES leadership

    Dallas Salazar's questions to EYES leadership • Q1 2017

    Question

    Dallas Salazar asked for confirmation of continued U.S. momentum and expectations for sequential growth. He also requested an update on the Orion I project and a reading on the management's confidence in its execution.

    Answer

    President and CEO Will McGuire confirmed expectations for continued momentum and sequential growth in North America for Q2, citing strong patient outreach, commitment from Centers of Excellence, and the addition of 5-10 new centers in 2017. Chairman Dr. Robert Greenberg expressed high confidence in the Orion I project, highlighting three key factors: leveraging the reliable Argus II platform, positive pre-IDE meetings with the FDA, and successful human data from an initial 8-channel implant that proved the concept without significant adverse events.

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    Dallas Salazar's questions to EYES leadership • Q3 2016

    Question

    Dallas Salazar of Atlas Consulting inquired about the status of the long-term investor right (LTIR) and the company's ongoing plans for its Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) program.

    Answer

    CFO Tom Miller explained that the LTIR matures on November 24, the two-year anniversary of the IPO, and requires investors to hold shares in certificate form. Chairman Dr. Robert Greenberg added that for the AMD trial, the five UK patients are doing well, and the company plans to submit a revised protocol to UK authorities to reduce adverse events and improve performance before implanting more patients next year.

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