Retinal Degeneration Fund

Perceive Pharma operates as a pharmaceutical company. Perceive Pharma develops innovative small molecule neuroprotective treatments.

NVasc is an early-stage ophthalmology company with a focus on treating blindness. It specializes in treating the leading causes of blindness through choroidal and retinal revascularization. The company has acquired the research rights to growth factors (NVB001 and NVB002) that have been shown to encourage the growth of non-leaking new vessels in the retina and choroid in mouse models of ischemic eye diseases. The company is planning to manufacture NVB001 which can be used in toxicokinetic studies and in early clinical trials in humans.

Amber Bio is a biotechnology company pioneering new gene editing modalities using multi-kilobase edits to reach previously undruggable patient populations.

Perceive Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative ophthalmic therapeutics aimed at treating various eye diseases. The company leverages advanced protective biologies to create a diverse pipeline of therapeutic assets that target significant causes of irreversible blindness. By employing multiple therapeutic modalities, Perceive Biotherapeutics aims to provide medical professionals with effective solutions for preventing vision loss and enhancing patient outcomes in the field of ophthalmology.

SparingVision SAS is a biotechnology company based in Paris, France, dedicated to discovering and developing gene therapy-based treatments for inherited retinal diseases that can lead to blindness. Founded in 2016, the company is focused on creating innovative therapies for conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, the most prevalent form of inherited retinal degeneration, which currently lacks comprehensive treatment options. SparingVision is advancing its lead candidate, SPVN06, which aims to address the needs of the nearly 2 million individuals affected by this rare genetic disorder globally. By targeting the underlying causes of these diseases, SparingVision seeks to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from genetic retinal disorders.

Nacuity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Fort Worth, Texas, founded in 2016. The company focuses on developing innovative treatments for retinitis pigmentosa and other ophthalmological disorders. Nacuity aims to address ocular oxidative stress and various ocular diseases through its drug candidates. It has garnered substantial support from the Foundation Fighting Blindness, which has invested significantly in research aimed at preventing, treating, and curing blinding retinal diseases. This collaboration includes funding for Nacuity’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials related to its NPI-001 development program, reflecting a commitment to advancing therapies for patients affected by these conditions.

SalioGen Therapeutics develops curative therapies for inherited disorders using its Exact DNA Integration Technology (EDIT) platform. EDIT employs proprietary mammal-derived enzymes called Saliogase, enabling non-viral delivery of genes of any size and offering significant manufacturing advantages.

Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, dedicated to developing and commercializing therapies for various ophthalmic disorders. The company's primary focus is on innovative treatment options for front and back of the eye conditions, with its lead product candidate, Nyxol eye drops, currently in Phase 3 clinical development. Nyxol is a once-daily, preservative-free formulation aimed at addressing issues such as dim light or night vision disturbances, pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, and presbyopia. Additionally, Ocuphire is advancing another candidate, APX3330, a twice-daily oral tablet, which is entering Phase 2 clinical trials to target diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema by inhibiting angiogenesis and inflammation. The company also seeks to explore opportunities for acquiring additional ophthalmic assets and forming strategic partnerships for global commercialization.

Vedere Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2019. The company focuses on developing gene therapy products aimed at restoring functional vision for patients who have experienced vision loss due to Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs) and other causes of vision impairment, both genetic and non-genetic. Unlike many ocular gene therapies that primarily slow the progression of vision loss, Vedere Bio seeks to restore lost vision, regardless of the patient's genetic background or stage of their condition. As of September 2020, Vedere Bio operates as a subsidiary of Novartis AG.

Atsena Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company focused on developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases. Utilizing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) platform, including a novel spreading capsid, Atsena's clinical programs aim to prevent blindness caused by genetic mutations.

Stargazer Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing and manufacturing therapies specifically for rare eye diseases. The company is particularly focused on addressing Stargardt's disease, a juvenile retinal degeneration condition for which there are currently no available treatments. By concentrating on these rare diseases, Stargazer Pharmaceuticals aims to provide healthcare professionals with innovative therapeutic options for patients suffering from such conditions. The company is currently operating in stealth mode as it advances its research and development efforts.