Funding Acquired for Eyestem to Progress Eyecyte-RPE Clinical Trial Phase 2
Eyestem Research Pvt Ltd, a pioneering biotech company based in Bengaluru, India, and Delaware, USA, has announced significant progress in the development of its Eyecyte-RPE therapy. The company recently secured a $10 million funding round, led by a strategic partner and supported by existing investors, including Endiya Partners.
Successful Phase 1 Trial Results
Eyestem completed its Phase 1 trial in June 2025, involving 9 patients treated with ascending doses of 100,000, 200,000, and 300,000 cells. The trial demonstrated a strong safety profile with no serious adverse events and showed early clinical benefits. In six patients, there was an average improvement of 15.8 letters over six months, while two patients experienced an average improvement of 11 letters over one year.
Preparing for Phase 2 and Global Expansion
The proceeds from the funding will be used to complete the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of Eyecyte-RPETM in India. The Phase 2 trial will assess the product in a larger group of patients with moderate disease. The company plans to launch a U.S. leg of the trial in the first half of 2026 to expand its clinical development internationally.
The funding will also be used to prepare for an Investigational New Drug application with the United States Food and Drug Administration. This is a significant step towards global expansion and patient access, positioning Eyestem strategically for commercialization.
Support from Industry Leaders
Raju Barwale, Chairman of Mahyco, and Sandeep Singh, Managing Director of Alkem Laboratories Ltd, have expressed their support for Eyestem's pioneering treatment. Eyestem, founded by Dr Jogin Desai and a team of experts in pharmaceutical product development, retinal surgery, and cell biology, is headquartered in Bengaluru and Delaware.
Dr Jogin Desai, Founder and CEO of Eyestem, announced the fundraise, expressing his excitement about the potential of Eyecyte-RPETM to treat geographic atrophy, a severe stage of dry age-related macular degeneration.
References
- Eyestem Research Pvt Ltd Press Release
- Endiya Partners Press Release
- BioSpectrum Asia
- Mint
- Pharmabiz
- Eyestem Research Pvt Ltd, committed to innovation in eye-health, has announced significant progress in the development of its Eyecyte-RPE therapy.
- The company, supported by funding of $10 million, completed its Phase 1 trial in June 2025, demonstrating a strong safety profile and early clinical benefits.
- The proceeds from the funding will be used for Phase 2 clinical trial completion in India, global expansion, and preparation for an Investigational New Drug application with the US FDA.
- Endiya Partners, an existing investor, led the funding round, demonstrating faith in Eyestem's vision to address medical-conditions like geographic atrophy, a severe stage of dry age-related macular degeneration.
- According to Dr Jogin Desai, Founder and CEO of Eyestem, this funding represents a crucial step forward in health-and-wellness technology, especially in the field of medical-conditions like cancer and various eye-health issues.
- The support for Eyestem extends beyond funding, with industry leaders such as Raju Barwale and Sandeep Singh expressing their advocacy for Eyestem's groundbreaking treatment.
