Exploiting research conducted at Kyoto Prefecture University of Medicine, Aurion Biotech is focusing on therapies that can restore vision.
Aurion Biotech, a US-based ophthalmology-focused regenerative therapies developer based on work at Kyoto Prefecture University of Medicine, obtained $120m in funding yesterday led by Deerfield Management.
Eye care products developer Alcon took part in the round, as did Petrichor Healthcare Capital Management, Flying L Partners, KKR-backed Falcon Vision and Visionary Ventures.
Aurion Biotech’s initial programme is a cell therapy aimed at corneal oedema secondary to endothelial dysfunction, a condition that leads to vision loss and can currently only be treated with a corneal transplant.
The underlying work was pioneered by Prof Shigeru Kinoshita and colleagues at Kyoto Prefecture University of Medicine. Aurion is in the process of filing for new drug applications in the US and in Japan, and will use the money to advance its lead asset.
The $120m total will be made in tranches as the company achieves key clinical and operational milestones. Andrew ElBardissi, partner at Deerfield Management, and Patrick Lally, partner at Petrichor, will join Aurion Biotech’s board of directors.
Petrichor, Flying L Partners, Falcon Vision and Visionary Ventures were all identified as returning investors, but Aurion does not appear to have disclosed details of earlier funding.
