BIOPHTA Raises €6.5M to Advance Eye Disease Therapies to Clinical Stage

BIOPHTA, a preclinical biotech company, has successfully closed a Seed round, raising €6.5 million to advance its pioneering technology into clinical development for the treatment of glaucoma and macular edema. This significant funding injection, led by prominent European venture capital firms UI Investissement, Elaia, and GO Capital, alongside key industry players Unither Pharmaceuticals and HTL Biotechnology, underscores the transformative potential of BIOPHTA's approach.

BIOPHTA's Innovation: Thiomer Biopolymers Technology

At the heart of BIOPHTA's innovation is a proprietary technological platform based on "thiomer" biopolymers. This technology enables the development of ophthalmic inserts, small pellets placed on the eye's surface, delivering controlled doses of medication continuously for seven days. Unlike conventional treatments, BIOPHTA's solution offers a non-invasive, self-administered therapy, addressing the challenge of patient compliance.

"Our technology addresses the critical issue of treatment adherence in ophthalmology," remarked Jean Garrec, BIOPHTA's founder and CEO. "By providing a simple and efficient therapy, we aim to bring sight-saving treatments to patients worldwide."

Targeting Glaucoma and Macular Edema

The €6.5 million funding round marks a pivotal moment for BIOPHTA as it progresses its lead programs targeting Glaucoma and Macular Edema, the two leading causes of blindness. With Phase 1 trials slated for 2025 and 2026 respectively, BIOPHTA aims to address the significant unmet medical need in these areas.

Commenting on the investment, the consortium of venture capitalists expressed enthusiasm for BIOPHTA's potential to transform eye disease treatment. "BIOPHTA's technology is a game changer for millions of patients worldwide," noted the VC syndicate. "We are excited to support BIOPHTA's growth and the advancement of its groundbreaking therapies."

François Fournier, CEO of HTL Biotechnology, and Eric Goupil, CEO of Unither Pharmaceuticals, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to supporting disruptive innovations in ophthalmology that enhance patients' lives.

About Glaucoma and Macular Edema

Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, typically due to elevated intraocular pressure. This progressive disease can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated, making early detection and intervention crucial.

Macular Edema, on the other hand, is a complication of various ocular diseases, characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This swelling can distort vision and, if untreated, may result in permanent vision loss. Both Glaucoma and Macular Edema represent significant challenges in ophthalmology, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatments like those being developed by BIOPHTA to address these debilitating conditions effectively.