Vinci Pharmaceuticals Inc. Secures Over $8 Million in Series A Funding to Enhance EPIPLANT™ Platform

Vinci Pharmaceuticals Secures Critical Funding

Vinci Pharmaceuticals Inc., a specialized company in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, has successfully closed a Series A financing round worth over $8 million. This funding is pivotal in advancing its groundbreaking EPIPLANT™ drug delivery platform, bringing the total capital raised to over $16.5 million when combined with the previous $8.5 million seed funding.

The EPIPLANT™ system, developed under the expertise of Dr. Karl Csaky and licensed from the Retina Foundation of the Southwest in Dallas, Texas, is designed to provide sustained drug delivery aimed at addressing the limitations faced by current intraocular injection methods. The innovation is built to deliver therapeutic agents directly to retinal tissues, potentially eliminating the need for frequent injections that often discourage patient compliance and complicate treatment regimens.

This recent financing round was spearheaded by Dynagrow Capital, LLLP, with additional support from MintPharma Capital. The proceeds are earmarked for crucial activities, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing, conducting tests, and initiating a Phase 1/2a clinical study anticipated for 2027.

Philip A. Gioia, Vinci’s Co-founder and CEO, expressed gratitude towards the supportive investors and board members who believe in the transformative potential of the EPIPLANT™ system. He emphasized that this financing marks a significant milestone as the company prepares for its initial human trials. Gioia noted, “Our goal is to develop a reliable delivery mechanism that not only assures safety but also enhances patient adherence by minimizing the treatment burden.”

Adding to this sentiment, Sarah Hassan, Managing Director at Dynagrow Capital, remarked on the revolutionary nature of Vinci's EPIPLANT™ technology, hinting at its capability to dramatically increase patient adherence. Hassan highlighted that existing treatment methodologies often result in high dropout rates, which this innovative, needle-free delivery system aims to resolve.

Vinci holds multiple patents for its unique EPIPLANT™ platform, which has successfully concluded preliminary preclinical testing. The technology’s design revolves around a bioerodible delivery mechanism that can accommodate various pharmaceutical ingredients, paving the way for a multipurpose application across a spectrum of retinal diseases.

Currently, treating retina-related ailments often involves directly injecting medication into the eye—a method fraught with complications in maintaining adequate drug concentrations. However, EPIPLANT™ aims to disrupt this traditional approach by delivering targeted drug levels to critical areas, such as the macula, transforming how ophthalmic diseases are treated. Richard Lindstrom, MD, of Minnesota Eye Consultants, corroborated this perspective, describing EPIPLANT™ as a more favorable method than conventional intravitreal injections.

Vinci Pharmaceuticals aims to initiate its first-in-human study in 2027, encompassing one Phase 1/2a clinical trial for its EPIPLANT™ delivery system, which can currently facilitate the delivery of small molecules. With a focus on addressing as many retinal diseases as possible, Vinci is poised to offer much-needed solutions to patients facing untreated conditions.

About Vinci Pharmaceuticals

Vinci Pharmaceuticals Inc. is committed to developing cutting-edge ophthalmic products that harness its proprietary technology platforms, aiming to transform the treatment landscape for retinal diseases effectively. The company focuses on creating unique, first-in-class solutions that hold the potential to redefine current therapeutic standards.

Safe Harbor

This communication contains forward-looking statements concerning Vinci Pharmaceuticals, including details about future events, financial forecasts, and market conditions. These predictions are subject to risks that could cause actual performance to differ from expectations.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Phil Gioia
Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO
Email: [email protected]