Pixium Vision, a retinal implant developer looking to restore vision in the blind, has raised €15m ($20.3m) in series A backing in a round led by venture firm Sofinnova Partners.

The Université Pierre et Marie Curie spin-out also attracted support from venture firms Bpifrance and Abingworth, as well as private equity firm Omnes Capital. Along with the financing, Antoine Papiernik of Soinnova and Chahra Louafi from Bpifrance joined the Pixium Board of Directors.

Pixium, which was founded in 2011 between Université Pierre et Marie Curie and the Vision Institute at Paris’ National Eye Hospital, is developing retinal implants for patients who have lost their sight through degenerative eye diseases. The funding will be used to further develop its IRIS technology.

Dr Gilly, Pixium’s Chairman and chief executive, said: “Our investors’ support will enable us to complete the clinical study with IRIS1, which if positive will allow us to seek regulatory approval in the coming two years. In addition, the funds will be used to drive the development of our next-generation IRIS systems that have the potential to restore sight and enable blind patients to lead much more independent lives.”