Vinci Pharmaceuticals Completes $8 Million Series A Funding to Enhance EPIPLANT™ Platform

Vinci Pharmaceuticals Secures Series A Funding for EPIPLANT™

On October 8, 2026, Vinci Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company dedicated to ophthalmic solutions, announced that it has successfully completed a Series A funding round exceeding $8 million. This funding marks a significant milestone in the advancement of their EPIPLANT™ drug delivery platform. With an initial Seed financing of $8.5 million in the prior phase, the cumulative funding has now surpassed $16.5 million, setting the stage for critical development activities.

EPIPLANT™ is an innovative, proprietary episcleral drug delivery platform designed to enhance the treatment of retinal diseases while overcoming the limitations associated with traditional intraocular injections. Developed under the leadership of Dr. Karl Csaky and licensed from the Retina Foundation of the Southwest in Dallas, Texas, EPIPLANT™ offers a delayed drug release mechanism to the retinal tissue, addressing a pivotal need in ophthalmic care.

The Series A round was primarily led by Dynagrow Capital, LLLP, with significant support from MintPharma Capital. The funds raised will facilitate GMP-compliant manufacturing, testing, and approval processes for EPIPLANT™ VCI-002, a critical step before the planned Phase 1/2a clinical study set for 2027.

Philip A. Gioia, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Vinci Pharmaceuticals, expressed his gratitude towards the investors and board for their support, emphasizing the revolutionary potential of EPIPLANT™ in treating vision-threatening diseases. Gioia highlighted that this funding paves the way for the pivotal first human clinical study. He strongly believes that EPIPLANT™ has the capacity to ensure a safe and sustainable drug release while reducing the treatment burden for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Sarah Hassan, managing director at Dynagrow Capital, commented on the transformative implications of Vinci’s EPIPLANT™ system for ophthalmologists and patients dealing with retinal diseases. The innovative multi-molecule platform and needle-free delivery system promise to significantly improve patient adherence to treatment, currently hindered by high dropout rates due to the cumbersome nature of existing therapies.

The company has already secured several patents for its unique EPIPLANT™ technology, having completed preliminary preclinical tests. Vinci has ambitious plans as it aims to initiate a Phase 1/2a clinical study on humans in 2027.

Current methods for drug delivery in retinal diseases often require direct administration into the eye, which introduces challenges in achieving effective drug concentrations within the retinal tissue. In contrast, EPIPLANT™ is built to provide a sustained drug release from an episcleral implant, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes. The bioerodable platform is versatile, designed to accommodate various pharmaceutical agents, and holds promise for multiple therapies targeting retinal diseases.

Dr. Richard Lindstrom from Minnesota Eye Consultants highlighted that the EPIPLANT™ method provides precise drug concentrations at the macula, making it a preferable option over intravitreal injections, the current standard of care for certain retinal conditions. He noted that this technology opens new therapeutic avenues for treating retinal diseases lacking effective treatment options.

As Vinci Pharmaceuticals gears up for its first clinical study in 2027, the company's commitment to innovation in ocular treatment is evident. Leveraging its ground-breaking platform, Vinci aims to introduce ‘First-in-Class,’ ‘Best-in-Class,’ and ‘Only-in-Class’ products with distinguishable profiles to tackle specific retinal conditions effectively.

In conclusion, the completion of this Series A financing is not just a financial achievement for Vinci Pharmaceuticals; it represents a significant leap forward in ophthalmic drug delivery innovation, aiming to enhance treatment experiences for patients while addressing critical healthcare needs. The EPIPLANT™ system stands poised to lead the charge in transforming how retinal diseases are managed, promising improved adherence to therapy and better outcomes for patients.

For more information about Vinci Pharmaceuticals and their EPIPLANT™ funding and development, visit Vinci Pharmaceuticals Inc..