Arctic Vision

Arctic Vision is a technology company.

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Updated: Mar 20, 2026 ·

About

Arctic Vision is a clinical-stage ophthalmic biotech company focused on developing breakthrough therapies for eye diseases. The company constructs a leading portfolio of innovative medicines, spanning from pre-clinical development to commercialization, aimed at addressing a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, including rare diseases, often leveraging advanced approaches such as gene therapy.

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Eddy Wu, Arctic Vision was established based on the insight that significant unmet medical needs persisted within the ophthalmology sector, particularly across China and the broader Asian region. Dr. Wu, leveraging his deep expertise in the field, initiated the company to pioneer novel treatment solutions and fill these critical therapeutic gaps.

The company's pipeline is designed to serve patients afflicted with various eye conditions, with a specific emphasis on individuals suffering from rare ophthalmic diseases who are seeking effective recovery options. Arctic Vision’s long-term vision is to become a leading ophthalmology enterprise in China and Asia, dedicated to delivering transformative therapies and substantially improving patient outcomes.

Recent News & Mentions

Mar 1, 2021FundingArctic Vision - Series B

Financial History

Arctic Vision has raised $100.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $100.0M Series B in March 2021.

Total Raised

$100.0M

Valuation

N/A

Funding Rounds Raised

Date	Round	Lead Investors	Other Investors
Mar 1, 2021	$100.0M Series B		CVentures

Financial History

Arctic Vision has raised $100.0M across 1 funding round.

Total Raised

$100.0M

Valuation

N/A

Deep Dive

High-Level Overview

Arctic Vision is a China-based ophthalmic biotech company developing breakthrough therapies for eye diseases, with a portfolio spanning pre-clinical to commercial-stage products.[1][2][3] It serves patients in China, Asia, and globally by addressing unmet needs in conditions like macular degeneration, dry eye, macular edema, and uveitis, backed by top-tier investors and led by industry veterans.[1][2] The company focuses on innovative drug delivery and therapies, such as licensing XIPERE™ (ARVN001) from Clearside Biomedical for uveitis-related macular edema and diabetic macular edema, positioning it as China's first innovative ophthalmology-focused biotech with strong growth momentum through partnerships and clinical preparations.[2][4]

Origin Story

Arctic Vision was founded in 2019 by Dr. Eddy Wu, who serves as Chairman and CEO, drawing from his extensive experience in biotechnology, including his prior role as Head of Terns China Biotechnology where he oversaw R&D and management.[1][2] Key leaders include Dr. Qing Liu, VP of Clinical & Regulatory Affairs with 18 years in ophthalmology from roles at Alcon and Allergan, and York Chen, VP of Operations & Commercial Planning with 21 years in ophthalmic sales and marketing, previously heading Allergan China's eye care business.[1][2] The idea emerged from the rapid growth of ophthalmology in China—e.g., 34 million with macular degeneration and 28 million with dry eye—prompting the veteran team to bridge global innovations to Chinese patients; the name "Arctic Vision" symbolizes animals' adaptive vision in extreme conditions.[2] Early traction included a deal with Clearside Biomedical for XIPERE™, a suprachoroidal delivery therapy, with clinical trials underway.[2][4]

Core Differentiators

Specialized Focus and Expertise: First innovative ophthalmology biotech in China, led by an elite team with deep R&D, clinical, and commercialization experience from Allergan, Alcon, and Terns, enabling rapid localization of global therapies.[1][2]
Pipeline Breadth: Diverse portfolio from pre-clinical to commercial stages, including XIPERE™ (ARVN001) with patented suprachoroidal microinjector for targeted back-of-eye delivery, minimizing harm and extending efficacy for macular edema.[2][4]
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with Clearside Biomedical, Eyenovia (microdose therapeutics for presbyopia/myopia), Bausch + Lomb (broad ophthalmic portfolio), and Olympic Ophthalmics (neuromodulation), accelerating innovation and market access.[4]
Regional Advantage: Tailored for China/Asia with global ambitions, supported by top life sciences investors, focusing on high-prevalence diseases amid booming ophthalmology demand.[1][2]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Arctic Vision rides the wave of China's exploding ophthalmology market, the fastest-growing disease segment in 2019, driven by aging populations and rising conditions like macular degeneration affecting tens of millions.[2] Timing aligns with China's push for biotech self-sufficiency and imported innovations, as global players like Clearside and Bausch + Lomb partner for localized therapies amid regulatory streamlining for eye drugs.[2][4] Market forces favoring it include unmet needs in back-of-eye diseases, novel delivery tech bypassing traditional limitations, and Asia's underserved patients; it influences the ecosystem by pioneering China-centric ophthalmic innovation, fostering investor interest and clinical advancements that could expand globally.[1][2][4]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Arctic Vision is poised for expansion with ongoing clinical trials for XIPERE™ in uveitis and diabetic macular edema, plus partnerships signaling pipeline growth in presbyopia, myopia, and neuromodulation.[2][4] Trends like AI-enhanced diagnostics, gene therapies, and precision delivery will shape its path, amplified by China's biotech incentives and aging demographics. Its influence may evolve from regional pioneer to global contender, humanizing vision care as its "Arctic" namesake adapts to challenges—delivering therapies where need meets innovation.[1][2]

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding has Arctic Vision raised?

Arctic Vision has raised $100.0M in total across 1 funding round.

Who are Arctic Vision's investors?

Arctic Vision's investors include CVentures.