Tokyo-based Newsight Tech Angels has announced a follow-on investment in Eyegenex, a San Diego biotechnology company developing therapies for glaucoma and other blinding eye diseases. The firm first backed Eyegenex in September 2023 and has maintained a board observer role to provide ongoing support. The additional funding is intended to accelerate the company's transition toward first-in-human clinical testing.
The Unmet Need in Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can ultimately lead to irreversible blindness. An estimated 80 million people worldwide and approximately 3 million people in the United States are living with the condition. Among these patients, roughly 12 million globally and 400,000 in the United States have normal-tension glaucoma, a form of the disease in which eye pressure remains within a normal range.
Current standard care relies on eye drops or surgery to lower intraocular pressure, but these measures only slow progression rather than address underlying nerve damage. No approved treatment can restore visual function or regenerate optic nerve tissue once it has been lost. As a result, there is a significant need for therapies that protect the optic nerve independently of pressure reduction.
Eyegenex and Its Therapeutic Approach
Eyegenex is advancing gene therapy and peptide therapy programs for glaucoma, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. The company's core technology is licensed from patents based on research conducted by Professor Ram Nagaraj at the University of Colorado, who serves as its Chief Scientific Advisor. Its pipeline is designed to address blinding eye diseases that respond inadequately to existing treatments.
In animal models, a single intravitreal administration of its gene therapy has been shown to almost completely suppress the loss of visual function. The company has also completed non-human primate studies and is now working with regulatory authorities to advance toward a first-in-human trial. These data and regulatory steps represent important validation of its neuroprotective strategy.
Follow-On Investment and Strategic Rationale
Newsight Tech Angels first invested in Eyegenex in September 2023 and has since been involved as a board observer. During that period, the company has completed non-human primate studies, generated efficacy data, expanded its pipeline, and engaged with regulators. NTA describes its involvement as hands-on and continuous rather than passive.
The new follow-on investment is intended to accelerate completion of the preclinical package and regulatory engagement for first-in-human testing. While the investment amount has not been disclosed, the firm stated that the decision reflects confidence in Eyegenex's progress. NTA also plans to help bridge development and business expansion in Japan and the wider Asian region.
Executive Perspective
Noriyuki Yamamoto, Founding Partner at Newsight Tech Angels, noted that glaucoma affects 80 million people worldwide yet still lacks established options beyond lowering intraocular pressure. He said the firm backed Eyegenex because its approach to protecting the optic nerve itself could change the treatment landscape. Yamamoto added that the company has steadily delivered milestones and that clinical entry is now within realistic reach.
The follow-on investment signals growing confidence in Eyegenex's neuroprotective approach and its potential to address a major unmet medical need. By supporting progress toward first-in-human trials, Newsight Tech Angels aims to help advance therapies that could go beyond symptom management. The partnership may ultimately bring new options to patients in the United States, Japan, and other global markets.