Celularity and DefEYE Partner on Regenerative Eye Care

Celularity has entered a strategic partnership with DefEYE, a newly launched ophthalmic technology and product company, to accelerate the development and commercialization of regenerative biologic solutions in eye care. The agreement includes an exclusive license and manufacturing arrangement, following Celularity’s in-kind investment in DefEYE’s $12 million Series Seed Preferred Equity round.

Expanding Innovation in Ophthalmic Regenerative Therapies

The collaboration positions Celularity and DefEYE at the forefront of regenerative eye care, focusing on the commercialization of placental-derived biologics. Through this agreement, Celularity has granted DefEYE an exclusive sublicense to its ophthalmic biologics portfolio, including:

• Biovance® and Biovance 3L Ocular – single and tri-layer decellularized amniotic basement membrane products

• Interfyl® – a flowable human connective tissue matrix derived from the chorionic plate

• CentaFlex™ – an additional advanced biologic solution for ophthalmic use

Celularity will act as the exclusive contract manufacturer for DefEYE’s complete line of ophthalmic biologic products, supporting both current and future offerings.

DefEYE’s Commercial Momentum and Growth Strategy

Founded to build upon the commercial foundation established by Verséa Ophthalmics, DefEYE is focused on scaling regenerative technologies in the ophthalmology market. The company reports a 70% year-over-year sales growth in 2024, underscoring rising clinical adoption of biologic solutions in eye care.

Proceeds from DefEYE’s $12 million Series Seed Preferred round will fund:

• Commercial launch and expansion of the licensed product portfolio

• Development of future ophthalmic innovations through collaborative R&D initiatives

Strategic and Financial Terms

In addition to the license and manufacturing agreement, Celularity made an in-kind investment as part of the funding round. The company has also secured the right to appoint one member to DefEYE’s five-member Board of Directors, reinforcing its strategic involvement.

Executive Commentary

“The partnership reflects a strategic opportunity to align for both companies and signals the start of a promising new chapter for regenerative therapies in eye care,” said Robert J. Hariri, MD, PhD, Chairman and CEO of Celularity.
“Our in-kind investment and exclusive license and pricing agreement exemplify Celularity’s commitment to drive innovation through strategic partnerships. We are excited to be part of DefEYE’s focused expansion into the ophthalmic space and to demonstrate the transformative power of placental-derived regenerative biologic solutions. This strategy fits into our objective of accessing new markets for our portfolio of commercial products.”

Rob Sambursky, MD, CEO of DefEYE, added:
“This strategic collaboration with Celularity strengthens our capabilities and core competencies. With Celularity’s deep scientific and manufacturing expertise, we believe we will be well positioned to scale and deliver meaningful clinical management solutions to both physicians and patients.”