What is TearSolutions?
TearSolutions is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm dedicated to the development of innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its flagship asset, Lacripep, represents a first-in-class peptide treatment designed to restore ocular health by addressing specific tear protein deficiencies. The company primarily targets patients suffering from chronic conditions such as primary Sjogren's Syndrome and dry eye disease, a condition that disproportionately affects aging populations and is increasingly exacerbated by modern environmental stressors. By focusing on the underlying biological mechanisms of tear production and surface integrity, TearSolutions occupies a unique niche in the ophthalmology market, bridging the gap between symptomatic relief and restorative medicine.
How much funding has TearSolutions raised?
TearSolutions has raised a total of $23.9M across 5 funding rounds:
Series A
$3M
Private Equity
$3.4M
Private Equity
$8.1M
Debt
$6.4M
Series B
$3M
Series A (2015): $3M with participation from LaunchCapital, Santen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., and CIT
Private Equity (2017): $3.4M, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2017): $8.1M, investors not publicly disclosed
Debt (2019): $6.4M featuring PharmStandard Ventures, Medarva Foundation, VTC Innovation Fund, and UVa Seed Fund
Series B (2024): $3M, investors not publicly disclosed
Key Investors in TearSolutions
LaunchCapital
LaunchCapital is a venture capital firm that supports entrepreneurs at the seed and early stages, providing hands-on assistance from the very beginning. The firm leverages both seed investments and growth investments to back great founders nationwide.
Santen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a Japanese pharmaceutical company specializing in ophthalmology. As a global leader in the field, it maintains a significant market share and provides ophthalmic products to over 50 countries.
CIT
The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) creates technology-based economic development strategies to assist in the next generation of technology companies. It focuses on plugging gaps at the earliest stages of the innovation continuum.
What's next for TearSolutions?
With the recent influx of capital, TearSolutions is strategically positioned to advance its ongoing clinical trials and refine its manufacturing processes for Lacripep. The company's roadmap emphasizes the transition from early-stage research to late-stage clinical validation, a move that is essential for securing regulatory approval and eventual commercialization. Furthermore, the firm is expected to leverage its strong leadership team to explore potential partnerships that could enhance its distribution capabilities and market penetration. As the company continues to navigate the complexities of the biotech landscape, the focus remains on delivering a transformative solution for patients suffering from debilitating ocular surface conditions, thereby creating long-term value for stakeholders and patients alike.
See full TearSolutions company page