#USA #South San Francisco #ophthalmology #glaucoma #Perceive Pharma

Perceive Pharma Secures $15 Million Series A Financing

Perceive Pharma is making headlines with its recent $15 million Series A financing round aimed at advancing its innovative therapies for glaucoma and other ophthalmic conditions.

Based in South San Francisco, Perceive Pharma emerged as a spirited spinout from Perceive Biotherapeutics, focusing on developing pioneering neuroprotective treatments that could ultimately change the landscape of glaucoma management. This funding round attracted a notable group of investors that includes Deerfield Management, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Braidwell LP, GV, the Retinal Degeneration Fund, and Catalio Capital Management.

The funds raised will be pivotal in accelerating the company’s lead project, PBI-671, which targets neuroprotective pathways identified through groundbreaking genomic screening by co-founders Dr. Don Zack and Dr. Derek Welsbie. These experts have steadily guided the company, collaborating with industry partners to extensively explore a library of neuroprotective candidates tailored specifically for glaucoma and other degenerative eye disorders.

K. Angela Macfarlane, the CEO of Perceive Pharma, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the funding’s role in tackling an urgent need in glaucoma treatment, especially since existing medications primarily focus on lowering intraocular pressure. Interestingly, many patients with normal eye pressures still face progressive vision loss, highlighting the critical importance of innovative therapeutic approaches. This fact compels Perceive Pharma to offer new hope to the approximately 1.5 million Americans suffering from glaucoma.

The company is also excited to announce the addition of Dr. Carol Gallagher, an esteemed industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in biopharmaceuticals, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Gallagher's impressive background includes pivotal roles at companies like Eli Lilly, Amgen, and Pfizer, underscoring her capability to steer Perceive Pharma through its next critical developmental phase.

Dr. Gallagher emphasized her commitment to supporting the company as it navigates the growth stages of bringing first-in-class neuroprotective drugs to the market. Her experience will undoubtedly prove valuable as the company explores opportunities not only in glaucoma but potentially in other undisclosed ophthalmic diseases.

Perceive Pharma operates out of the JLABS @ San Diego, a Johnson & Johnson Innovation hub, which connects startups with essential lab resources and networks vital for early-stage biopharmaceutical development. This residency is considered integral to the company’s strategy as it seeks to efficiently bring its innovative treatments to the forefront of the healthcare landscape.

In summary, the successful funding round positions Perceive Pharma at a crucial intersection of innovation and patient care. The company strives to enhance the depth of its research capabilities while working diligently to create transformative eye care treatments that could save the sight of countless individuals facing the challenges of glaucoma.