Eyevensys, a Paris, France-developer of a new non-viral gene therapy process to treat ocular illnesses, announces an equity investment of undisclosed amount by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund.
In conjunction with the funding, Dr Michel Pairet, Boehringer Ingelheim’s head of non-clinical research and development, joined Eyevensys’ board of directors.
According to a written statement, existing investors (Innobio, managed by CDC Entreprises, Inserm Transfert Initiative and CapDecisif Management) also intend to participate in this second round of funding, which is planned to take place before the end of the second quarter of 2013.
The company had raised €1.6m from its first round of funding in January 2012.
Led by Dr Ivan Cohen-Tanugi, chairman, Eyevensys develops a new process for non-viral gene therapy using electrotransfer that enables prolonged production of therapeutic proteins for the treatment of ocular disease. It is currently focusing on two ophthalmological indications including uveitis, a rare disease, and age-related macular degeneration, a pathology which occurs more frequently than uveitis and is becoming more prevalent as a result of population aging.
The aim of this second round is to allow the company to finalize its preclinical trials, proceed to clinical trials within 18 months and complete Phase IIa.
Founded in 2009, Eyevensys currently employs five people.
FinSMEs
11/04/2013