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 is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative gene therapies for inherited disorders. Utilizing its proprietary Exact DNA Integration Technology (EDIT) platform, the company employs mammal-derived enzymes known as Saliogase to facilitate genome engineering. This approach allows for non-viral delivery of genes of any size, offering significant advantages in manufacturing and application. SalioGen's technology aims to provide safe, durable, and affordable solutions that could transform treatment options for patients with genetic conditions, while also enhancing the efficiency of cell therapy and biologics manufacturing within the healthcare sector.

Opus Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene therapies for ultra-rare blinding conditions. The company specializes in creating adeno-associated virus-based gene therapies aimed at treating rare retinal degenerative diseases. Opus Genetics addresses manufacturing challenges that hinder the delivery of these life-changing treatments, ensuring efficient access to therapies for patients with severe visual impairments.

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 gene therapy company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for inherited retinal diseases. The company focuses on therapies for conditions such as X-linked retinoschisis and GUCY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis. Utilizing an advanced adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology platform, including a novel spreading capsid, Atsena aims to target specific retinal conditions to prevent blindness resulting from genetic mutations. Their research is centered on providing effective ocular gene therapies that address significant challenges associated with inherited retinal diseases, with the goal of reversing or halting vision loss.

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.