Perceive Pharma Secures $15M Series A Funding to Advance Neuroprotective Therapies for Glaucoma

Perceive Pharma has announced the closing of a $15 million Series A funding round, supported by leading investors, including Deerfield Management, Johnson & Johnson, Braidwell LP, GV, the Retinal Degeneration Fund, and Catalio Capital Management, LP.

This funding will drive the development of neuroprotective therapeutics for glaucoma and other vision-related conditions, marking a significant step forward in ophthalmic innovation.

Strengthening Leadership: Carol Gallagher Joins Perceive Pharma Board

Alongside the funding announcement, Perceive Pharma has appointed Carol Gallagher, Pharm.D., as an independent board director.

Cameron Wheeler, Partner at Deerfield Management, expressed enthusiasm about her addition to the team:

"We are delighted by Carol's addition to the board and welcome her contributions across the business. We look forward to working with our syndicate partners as Perceive Pharma continues to build compelling preclinical evidence of ophthalmic neuroprotection in key models of glaucoma."

A New Approach to Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma treatments traditionally focus on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), yet nearly half of glaucoma patients experience vision loss despite having normal IOP levels.

Perceive Pharma’s neuroprotective drug candidates, including its lead candidate PBI-671, aim to directly protect retinal cells, offering a potential breakthrough for patients whose disease continues to progress despite current treatment options.

K. Angela Macfarlane, CEO of Perceive Pharma, highlighted the importance of this approach:

"All approved drugs for glaucoma target the lowering of intraocular pressure, but about half of glaucoma patients have normal pressures and continue to lose vision. The deep science underlying the identification of Perceive's targets differentiates its programs and provides promise for new, transformative treatments for sight-saving therapies for the more than 1.5 million Americans and others worldwide with glaucoma whose disease is continuing to progress, despite access to current treatments."

Advancing Ophthalmic Neuroprotection

The neuroprotective therapeutics were initially identified through genomic screening by Perceive Pharma’s co-founders, Don Zack and Derek Welsbie. The company has since collaborated with a key industry partner to position itself at the forefront of neuroprotective drug development for glaucoma and other undisclosed disease areas.

Looking Ahead

With this $15 million funding round, Perceive Pharma is positioned to advance preclinical and clinical research, with the ultimate goal of delivering innovative, sight-saving treatments to millions affected by glaucoma and other neurodegenerative eye diseases.