Jersey City, New Jersey-based Claris Biotherapeutics, Inc. has closed a USD 118 million Series B financing to advance CSB-001 (oremepermin alfa ophthalmic solution), its lead candidate for limbal stem cell deficiency, a blinding ocular surface disease for which no approved pharmacologic therapy currently exists. The round funds the company through planned pivotal studies and into pre-commercialisation activities, with two Phase III trials targeting approximately 400 subjects scheduled to begin in H1 2027.
The round was co-led by new investors Samsara Biocapital and Catalio Capital Management, with participation from Adage Capital Management, Sofinnova Investments, Aisling Capital, and ADAR1 Capital Management. Existing investors Novo Holdings, Janus Henderson Investors, and Mass General Brigham Ventures also continued their support. The Series B follows a USD 57 million Series A, bringing total capital raised to more than USD 175 million. Proceeds will fund completion of an ongoing open-label proof-of-concept study in 63 LSCD subjects, with full data expected in H2 2026, as well as the pivotal programme and pre-commercialisation work. In connection with the financing, Stephen Brady was appointed President and CEO, and Brian Baum was named Chief Commercial Officer. Marc de Garidel, currently CEO of France-based Abivax, was appointed Chairman of the Board.
CSB-001 contains recombinant human deleted hepatocyte growth factor as its active ingredient, promoting corneal epithelial regeneration while modulating inflammation and fibrosis to address the underlying pathophysiology of LSCD. Proof-of-concept data reported to date demonstrated substantial improvements in visual acuity. If approved, it would represent the first pharmacologic treatment for the condition. Claris has a safety-data sharing collaboration with Japan-based Kringle Pharma, Inc., which is developing oremepermin alfa for non-ophthalmic indications, enabling more efficient development of the shared active ingredient.