Claris Biotherapeutics, spun out of the Harvard lab of corneal disease expert Reza Dana, is developing CSB-001 (oremepermin alfa), an eye drop candidate now targeted at limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) after an initial neurotrophic keratitis study failed but showed benefit in LSCD patients. The company plans a phase 3 pivotal trial of CSB-001 beginning in the first half of 2027 with a data readout expected within roughly two years. Claris is running a non-interventional natural history study to better understand LSCD and to create a pool of subjects for its phase 3 trial. The biotech has grown from an initial team of five to more than 25 employees and is seeking to establish a physical headquarters. CEO Stephen Brady, who took over June 15, said the company intends to educate providers on diagnosing LSCD and expects to explore additional indications or pipeline expansion if independent and capitalized. Brady also anticipates taking the company public before phase 3 readout, either via IPO or a reverse merger.

Total raised

$181M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Jul 2026