RetroSense’s lead product, RST-001, is a first-in-class optogenetic gene therapy intended to restore vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, independent of causative gene or mutation. The company holds worldwide exclusive rights to underlying IP from Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital. RST-001 received FDA Orphan Drug designation in 2014 and was authorized for first-in-human trials in 2015; a Phase I/II study (NCT02556736) is currently recruiting at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest. RetroSense plans to complete that Phase I/II study and advance a second gene therapy candidate. Financially, RetroSense closed a $6 million Series B and previously raised $7 million in a Series A earlier in 2015, bringing total Series A/B proceeds to $13 million. The net proceeds are intended to enable completion of the ongoing clinical study and support further development of the second candidate. RetroSense Therapeutics is developing RST-001, a first-in-class gene therapy application of optogenetics intended to confer light sensitivity to degenerated retinas and restore vision. The company is focused on treating retinitis pigmentosa and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. RST-001 has been designated with Orphan Drug Status and is being advanced through preclinical studies. RetroSense holds worldwide exclusive rights to relevant intellectual property from Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital. The company, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is led by a team experienced in moving products from discovery to the clinic. Proceeds from the recent financing are intended to support completion of preclinical work needed for an IND filing and initiation of clinical trials.

Total raised

$12M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Nov 2015