Clinical Trials

Ophthalmology biotech PulseSight Therapeutics has confirmed the closure of its Series A funding round, the proceeds of which will be used to fund a phase 1 study into its dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) therapy, PST-611. The funding round was supported by existing investor Pureos BioVentures.

PST-611 is a non-viral vectorised therapy indicated for the treatment of dry AMD/geographic atropy (GA). It encodes the human transferrin protein – a crucial regulator of iron homeostatis – that has demonstrated the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation while preserving the integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium in preclinical models. The phase 1 trial is set to start in Q2 of 2025 and aims to confirm the favourable safety profile of PST-611.

The funding will also support phase 2a trial preparation and implementation, and the development of PulseSight’s wider portfolio.

Judith Greciet, CEO of PulseSight Therapeutics said: “We are excited to have the funds to progress our lead programme, PST-611, which we believe holds the potential to become a major new treatment option for patients with dry AMD/GA. This financing enables us to execute on our goal of confirming the safety of our drug candidate and to then rapidly move into a phase 2 proof-of-concept study, to demonstrate transferrin’s ability to protect retinal cells and preserve vision.”

Dirk Sauer, chairman of the board of PulseSight Therapeutics said: “I congratulate Judith and the team who have advanced PST-611 at pace during 2024 and welcome the continued support of Pureos BioVentures to advance our lead candidate. There remains an unaddressed need for non-viral approaches that would unlock the full potential of gene therapies. I am encouraged by the data behind PulseSight’s approach and its therapies, and I look forward to welcoming other investors to the syndicate to enable us to further validate PulseSight’s disruptive potential through clinical studies.”