Aurion Biotechnologies
Venture Round in 2022
Aurion Biotechnologies is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing advanced therapies for ocular diseases, particularly those leading to blindness. Based in Seattle, Boston, and Tokyo, the company aims to transform the lives of millions by restoring vision through innovative cell therapies. Its lead candidate targets corneal edema and is one of the first clinically validated cell therapies in corneal care. The process involves culturing healthy cells from a donor cornea using a proprietary method, allowing cells from a single donor to potentially treat over 100 recipient eyes. Clinical trials in Japan have shown that patients experience significant and lasting improvements in corneal health indicators, including visual acuity and corneal thickness.
TearClear
Series B in 2020
TearClear Corp. is an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on developing preservative-free therapeutic drops aimed at treating glaucoma and various anti-inflammatory conditions, including dry eye disease and allergic conjunctivitis. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating a platform of drugs that enhances medication delivery while ensuring patient safety and compliance by preventing preservatives from reaching the ocular surface. TearClear's innovative approach not only transforms established ophthalmic medications into safer therapies but also lays the groundwork for future developments across multiple treatment programs.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2020
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for ophthalmic conditions, with a pipeline that includes first-in-class candidates aimed at Demodex blepharitis and other eye diseases. Its lead program, TP-03, targets blepharitis caused by Demodex mites and is advancing through Phase IIb/III trials, alongside efforts to address meibomian gland disease. The company is also developing TP-04 for rosacea and TP-05 for Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction, indicating a broader dermatology and infectious-disease focus. Tarsus pursues development across opportunities with unmet medical need, aiming to bring novel therapeutics to patients with limited treatment options. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.
CorneaGen
Series B in 2019
CorneaGen is a mission-driven company focused on innovating cornea care to eliminate corneal blindness globally. It develops advanced medical devices, biologics, and therapeutics aimed at improving the treatment and care provided by corneal surgeons. CorneaGen offers a comprehensive range of services, including the delivery of high-quality tissue, surgeon education, and advocacy for patient access and reimbursement policies. By equipping eye surgeons with innovative tools and resources, CorneaGen strives to restore sight for individuals suffering from corneal conditions, thereby transforming the landscape of corneal surgery and enhancing patient outcomes.
Oyster Point
Series B in 2019
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its lead product candidate, OC-01, is a nasal spray formulated as a highly selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, currently in Phase III trials for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting over 30 million Americans. OC-01's novel mechanism of action stimulates tear production by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, re-establishing tear film homeostasis.
Surface Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2018
Surface Pharmaceuticals is an owner and operator of a pharmaceutical company intended to provide ophthalmology products. The company's medicines use topical formulations with the patented Klarity delivery vehicle, designed to protect and rehabilitate the ocular surface, enabling patients with dry eye disease to recover on time and properly.
CorneaGen
Series A in 2016
CorneaGen is a mission-driven company focused on innovating cornea care to eliminate corneal blindness globally. It develops advanced medical devices, biologics, and therapeutics aimed at improving the treatment and care provided by corneal surgeons. CorneaGen offers a comprehensive range of services, including the delivery of high-quality tissue, surgeon education, and advocacy for patient access and reimbursement policies. By equipping eye surgeons with innovative tools and resources, CorneaGen strives to restore sight for individuals suffering from corneal conditions, thereby transforming the landscape of corneal surgery and enhancing patient outcomes.