Epion Therapeutics

CXL Ophthalmics, Inc., now operating as Epion Therapeutics, was a clinical-stage ophthalmology-focused medical device and pharmaceutical company headquartered in Sherborn, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing minimally invasive treatments for corneal diseases with the goal of saving and improving vision for millions of patients worldwide. Founded... in 2012 and originally based in Encinitas, California, the company developed the patented EpiSmart system, a transformative corneal cross-linking technology designed to treat keratoconus, a bilateral progressive corneal disorder and common type of corneal ectasia that causes permanent vision impairment. The EpiSmart system, which includes the proprietary Ribostat formulation, represented a breakthrough epithelium-on approach that optimized cross-linking therapy by allowing minimally invasive treatment through simultaneous bilateral application of ultraviolet light without requiring surgical disruption of the corneal epithelium. This approach was designed to be highly effective while offering reduced discomfort, significantly decreased recovery time compared to the current standard of care, and the ability to treat both eyes simultaneously upon initial diagnosis. CXL Ophthalmics completed a landmark Phase 2 clinical trial enrolling 2,258 participants, representing the largest study to date of corneal cross-linking as a treatment for keratoconus, with results published in Cornea: The Journal of Cornea and External Disease demonstrating improvements in best corrected visual acuity at six and twelve months with enhanced safety and comfort profiles. In September 2022, the company raised a 32 million dollar Series A funding round led by AXA IM Alts through its Global Health Private Equity strategy, along with a syndicate of individual investors including leading cornea specialists, to support advancement of EpiSmart through Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials toward a New Drug Application with the FDA. The company was led by Chief Medical Officer Michael W. Belin and ...Read More