Claris Bio Secures $57M for Corneal Healing Product Candidate

Claris Bio has introduced its lead program, CSB-001 Ophthalmic Solution 0.1% (oremepermin-α), backed by a total investment of $57 million. The biopharmaceutical company, founded in 2020, specializes in developing recombinant human variant hepatocyte growth factor (dHGF) to enhance the speed and quality of corneal healing, particularly for patients grappling with corneal eye disease.

CSB-001, a topical ocular biologic solution of dHGF, holds immense promise in restoring both structural and functional corneal integrity, particularly in cases of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). Oremepermin-α, exhibiting epitheliotropic, neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties, presents itself as a potentially effective and safe solution for unmet needs in corneal diseases.

Claris Bio is on track to complete enrollment in its late-stage multicenter study, anticipating a data readout in the first half of 2024. The $57 million funding has been secured from Series A investors, including Novo Holdings A/S, RA Capital, Mass General Brigham Ventures, and the recent addition of Janus Henderson Investors.

Beyond NK, Claris Bio envisions an expansive pipeline, aiming to leverage oremepermin-α across various ophthalmic diseases, broadening its impact on a wider patient population. The company is actively exploring additional indications such as limbal stem cell deficiency, pre-existing corneal scars, and envisions future applications in corneal injuries, ulcers, chemical burns, and persistent epithelial defects.

“Our vision is to lead the way in corneal therapy by developing oremepermin-α into a pipeline that addresses the high unmet need in corneal disease. We are honored to have such a strong group of investors, as we approach a pivotal inflection point in our company’s growth,” Claris Bio Founding CEO Clarke Atwell said in a company news releaes. “Topical oremepermin-α therapy has the potential to significantly impact several significant conditions of the cornea, with the potential to improve patients’ lives.“