Perceive Biotherapeutics is a technology company.
Perceive Biotherapeutics has raised $78.0M across 1 funding round.
Perceive Biotherapeutics has raised $78.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Perceive Biotherapeutics has raised $78.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Perceive Biotherapeutics's investors include Bain Capital Life Sciences, Deerfield Management.
Perceive Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company developing therapies for retinal degeneration and other ophthalmology indications, translating novel protective biologies into a pipeline of assets using multiple modalities like gene therapy.[1][3][4] Its lead programs target dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) via complement system modulation and neuroprotection, addressing major causes of irreversible blindness by preventing neural cell degeneration independently of genetic mutations.[1][2][5] The company serves patients with retinal diseases, backed by $93 million in total funding including a Deerfield investment in 2018, and has spun out Perceive Pharma with a $15 million Series A in 2023 to accelerate glaucoma neuroprotection.[3][4][2] Growth momentum includes preclinical and Phase 1/2 programs like VOY-101 for AMD, with ongoing clinical trials and expansion into hearing disorders.[5]
Perceive Biotherapeutics emerged from decades of academic research on protective biologies in retinal degeneration, founded on collaborations in genetic science and target validation.[1][3] Key founder Don Zack, MD, PhD, the Guerrieri Professor of Genetic Engineering and Molecular Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins' Wilmer Eye Institute, leveraged comprehensive screening in retinal cells to identify neuroprotective pathways.[2] Established around 2018 with early-stage venture funding from Deerfield, the company quickly built a diversified pipeline in ophthalmology from South San Francisco.[3][4] A pivotal moment came with the 2023 spin-out of Perceive Pharma, funded by RD Fund, Deerfield, JJDC, Braidwell, GV, and Catalio, to fast-track Zack's glaucoma therapies while Perceive Bio advanced its dry AMD gene therapy.[2]
Perceive Biotherapeutics rides the wave of neuroprotection and gene therapy in ophthalmology, targeting unmet needs in dry AMD (affecting millions with no disease-modifying treatments) and glaucoma, amid rising demand for therapies halting retinal cell loss.[1][2][5] Timing aligns with advances in genetic screening and complement biology, fueled by market forces like aging populations driving blindness prevalence and investor interest in high-impact rare diseases.[2][3] The company influences the ecosystem through academic-industry translation (e.g., Johns Hopkins research), spin-outs fostering specialized ventures, and partnerships with funds like RD Fund, amplifying progress in retinal therapeutics beyond traditional anti-VEGF approaches.[2]
Perceive Biotherapeutics is poised for clinical milestones, with VOY-101 advancing in Phase 2 for dry AMD and Perceive Pharma pushing neuroprotection into trials for glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa.[2][5] Trends like AI-driven target discovery and expanded gene therapy modalities will shape its path, potentially unlocking hearing indications and broader neurodegeneration applications.[1][5] Its influence may grow via acquisitions or partnerships with big pharma, given its validated science and funding, solidifying its role in preventing blindness as pipeline assets de-risk. This positions Perceive as a key player translating protective biology into transformative therapies.[1][3]
Perceive Biotherapeutics has raised $78.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $78.0M Series B in January 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | $78.0M Series B | Bain Capital Life Sciences, Deerfield Management |