SilkTech Biopharmaceuticals is developing silk-derived protein biotherapeutics to treat Dry Eye Disease (DED) using its patented SDP technology produced from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons. Its lead product, SDP-4, is an investigational eye drop that has received IND clearance from the U.S. FDA. The company has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of SDP-4 in treating the signs and symptoms of DED. SilkTech intends to use the newly raised funds to conduct the Phase 2 trial and support ongoing development work. The financing unlocked by IND clearance increased available Series A capital to $11.2M after an additional $6.2M investment from Skyview Ventures. The company was founded in 2013 by CEO Brian D. Lawrence, Ph.D., and is based in Plymouth, MN. Silk Technologies leverages a patented technology platform that uses silk protein to develop biological drugs designed to treat eye disease. The company's lead candidate, SDP-4, has a dual mode of action with pre-clinical findings showing potent anti-inflammatory activity targeting known causes of Dry Eye Disease and improving the wetting properties of ophthalmic formulations. Improved wetting is described as essential for enhancing comfort during use. The company intends to use the Series A proceeds to advance SDP-4 through Phase-2 proof-of-concept studies. Silk is led by co-founder and CEO Brian Lawrence, Ph.D., and its board includes Dr. Brian Levy, Alex Soltani, Dr. Brian Lawrence, Bill Mower, Dr. Emmett Cunningham, Jr., and Dr. Paul Karpecki. The company is based in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Total raised

$17M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Apr 2019