GenSight Biologics, a ophthalmic therapeutics using gene therapy, has raised $41.8m in series A funding from backers Novartis Venture Fund, Abingworth LLP, Versant Ventures and Index Ventures.

Novartis Venture Fund, the $750m corporate venturing division of pharmaceutical firm Novartis, has led a €32m ($41.8m)  series A round into France-based biopharmaceutical GenSight Biologics.

There was also involvement from venture capital firms Abingworth, Versant Ventures and Index Ventures.

The new funds will be used to develop a gene replacement therapy for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and an optogenetic therapy for retinitis pigmentosa (RP).