Neurolens Raises $67 Million from MVM Partners, Falcon Vision/KKR, Marshall Wace & Existing Investors

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Investment will be used to develop new products and drive adoption.

DALLAS, Texas, September 12, 2022 – Neurolens, a company commercializing innovative solutions to optimize vision, today announced completion of a $67 million financing. The financing was led by MVM Partners, with additional participation from Falcon Vision/KKR, Marshall Wace, and existing investors including Bluestem Capital. Raymond James was the exclusive agent on this round of financing. 

 The investment will fuel continued product innovation and growth initiatives, further accelerating the adoption of Neurolens.  

“While we have grown tenfold in the past three years, the unmet patient need remains massive,” said Pierre Bertrand, Neurolens CEO. “Nearly 6 out of 10 Americans are reporting daily symptoms of Digital Vision Syndrome, and we are excited to continue bringing solutions to independent optometry to meet their needs. We are grateful to see both current and new investors embrace our mission to transform eyecare beyond visual acuity.” 

Dr. Eric Bednarski, Partner at MVM, commented “Neurolens offers a remarkable solution to address the widespread problems that patients experience due to DVS. We are pleased to partner with Neurolens to support its continued growth.” Dr. Akhilesh Pathipati, Partner at MVM, added “The team at Neurolens has shown tremendous leadership and dedication while innovating in a market poised for growth. We are thrilled to work with them to continue changing the lives of patients.” Drs. Bednarski and Pathipati joined the Neurolens Board of Directors as a part of this financing. 

The investment follows two recent announcements signaling the unprecedented acceleration of Neurolens within the vision industry. In late August, Inc. revealed that Neurolens had been recognized as the 28th fastest growing healthcare company on its annual Inc. 5000 list, a prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Earlier in August, Neurolens released the results of a parallel arm study evaluating reading speed at baseline. The study revealed that after seven days of lens wear, the average improvement in reading speed with Neurolenses was almost 70% higher than the improvement seen with other premium lens designs. 

To learn more about Neurolens, please visit our website at https://www.neurolens.com. 

 

About Neurolens  

Neurolens commercializes breakthrough technology to improve vision care. With patented contoured prism technology, Neurolenses are the first and only prescription lenses that go beyond visual acuity to provide comfort for the majority of adults who experience the symptoms of Digital Vision Syndrome (DVS), a description commonly used to describe a number of eye-related symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, motion sickness and dry eye sensation. The Neurolens contoured prism design helps the eyes work together comfortably, bringing the eyes into alignment to relieve the painful symptoms associated with DVS. Technology from Neurolens is only available to independent eyecare providers.  

About MVM Partners 

MVM has invested in high growth healthcare businesses since 1997. The firm has a broad, global investment outlook spanning medical technology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health, and other sectors of healthcare.  

About Falcon Vision 

Falcon Vision is an ophthalmology-focused platform supported by KKR. The platform invests in and manages a diversified portfolio of emerging assets across medical devices and biopharmaceuticals. Falcon Vision’s strategy is to address the need for capital, access to executive talent, and operational guidance to support advancement of innovative products for under-managed ophthalmic diseases and vision preservation. Falcon Vision collaborates with the team at Flying L Partners to identify and execute new opportunities. 

About Marshall Wace 

Founded in 1997, Marshall Wace is a global alternative investment manager.  Marshall Wace combines fundamental investing with systematic and quantitative strategies utilizing proprietary systems and processes.

About Digital Vision Syndrome

Nearly 2/3 of adults experience the painful symptoms of Digital Vision Syndrome, which including chronic headaches, neck pain, eye strain and dry eye sensation. Fortunately, relief is in sight with Neurolenses, which go beyond visual acuity to restore naturally comfortable vision.

Shared by Steve Kirby, board member of Neurolens.

Virtual Incision Heads to Space with NASA Grant

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On August 3, 2022, Virtual Incision Corporation shared this press release titled, “Virtual Incision’s Miniaturized Robotic-Assisted Surgery Device Will Launch into Space in 2024”. The story has been picked up by an industry publication, FIERCE Biotech, and you can read their story here.

Shared by Steve Kirby, board member of Virtual Incision Corporation.

Virtual Incision Announces Approval to Complete Clinical Study Enrollment for its MIRA® Platform

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FDA decision supported by an interim clinical study report on patient safety

Lincoln, Neb. – April 19, 2022 – Virtual Incision Corporation, a medical device company pioneering the world’s first miniaturized robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) platform, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) supplement to complete the final stage of its clinical study analyzing the MIRA® Platform in bowel resection procedures. The approval was supported by a favorable interim clinical study report on the safety profile of MIRA.

The IDE supplement approval puts Virtual Incision on track to obtain the clinical evidence needed to bring innovation to the soft tissue surgical robotics industry, a market that has been historically dominated by a single player. Results of the completed study will support MIRA’s upcoming FDA De Novo application for market authorization.

Click here to read the remainder of the press release as published on the Company’s website, or click here to view a PDF version.

Shared by Steve Kirby, board member of Virtual Incision Corporation.

Farritor Wins Inaugural NU Faculty Commercialization Honor

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Nebraska’s Shane Farritor is the inaugural winner of the University of Nebraska system’s intellectual property award.

In this story published on April 15, 2022, by Nebraska Today, Shane Farritor’s accomplishments are recognized as a result of the work he has done at Virtual Incision Corporation. Click here to read the story from the original source or click here for a PDF version of the story.

Virtual Incision Corporation -Shared by Steve Kirby, board member of Virtual Incision Corporation.

LENTECHS Receives Product of the Year from Contact Lens Spectrum

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CEO, Robin Sears, from LENTECHS reported that Contact Lens Spectrum, in its 2021 Annual Report, recognized LENTECHS’ Apioc as Product of the Year! He commented that the company is honored with this award from such a respected and prestigious source.

Here is an excerpt from the publication: For our product of the Year, we solicited input from our readership for a specific contact lens, care solution, design, device, or concept (e.g., patent) that warrants recognition based on its impact or potential impact on the contact lens market. While we received nominations for many inspiring products, this year we name Lentechs’ Apioc lens as our Product of the Year.

Although not yet commercially available, this contact lens for presbyopia features a novel design unlike any other presbyopia lens on the market that delivers optical correction at all distances in a new way. This level of innovation is a remarkable accomplishment, and we congratulate Lentechs for this achievement.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of Lentechs LLC.

OcuDoc Announces Grady Lenski as New Chief Executive Officer

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OcuDoc Mobile by OcuDoc aims to be the first and only standalone smartphone app that can provide accurate, fast, objective autorefraction and TelerefractionTM, all without the need for additional equipment

COLUMBUS, OH, Dec 2, 2021 – Columbus-based ophthalmic MedTech startup OcuDoc announced the appointment of Grady Lenski as its new Chief Executive Officer. The firm is developing a breakthrough, mobile, autorefractor, named OcuDoc Mobile and brings on Mr. Lenski to lead the team given his extensive experience in the optical industry and deep relationships across the specialty worldwide.

“Grady is a globally-minded optical industry executive with experience in the C-Suite, as a board member, and as consultant for several world-class organizations—he’s the perfect leader for the team as it finalizes development and commercial planning,” emphasized OcuDoc board member and optical industry trailblazer, E. Dean Butler. Prior to founding his own consultancy, Mr. Lenski served as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the Americas for Hoya Vision Care, and prior to joining Hoya, he worked at private-equity owned Performance Optics/Vision Ease as CMO and Vice President of North American Sales. He enjoyed a long tenure with PPG, serving lastly as managing director of adjacencies for Transitions® Optical. During his tenure he started and led businesses in North America and Asia-Pacific along with leading global business and strategy development. “I’m thrilled to join the OcuDoc Team at this exciting stage of its development. This technology will be a game-changer and serve so many worldwide—eyecare professionals (ECPs), retailers, and most importantly their patients and customers,” stated Mr. Lenski. The OcuDoc Team targets delivery of its prototype device for specific market testing in the second quarter of next year.

OcuDoc Mobile aims to be the first and only standalone smartphone app that can provide accurate, fast, objective autorefraction and TelerefractionTM, all without the need for additional equipment. In the United States and other regulated markets, ECPs and retailers will be able to use OcuDoc Mobile as their everyday autorefractor and send the app for patient and caregiver utilization at home, with results delivered back to the ECP. In less-regulated markets worldwide, OcuDoc Mobile will help elevate the world’s emerging middle class by providing an objective, accessible, and low-cost solution for vision screening and diagnosis to the billions who lack access to effective care.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of OcuDoc, Inc.

Virtual Incision In The News

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Please enjoy this story from Medical Device And Diagnostic Industry titled, “Virtual Incision’s Small Robot to Carve Out Large Piece of the Market” by Omar Ford published December 1, 2021. A PDF archive copy of the story is available here.

We think you will enjoy the story which includes a quote from John Murphy, Virtual Incision’s President and CEO.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of Virtual Incision Corporation.

Virtual Incision Announces $46 Million Financing to Advance First-of-its-Kind MIRA Surgical Platform

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IDE clinical study of robotic-assisted MIRA Surgical Platform currently underway for laparoscopic colon surgery

Lincoln, Neb., and Pleasanton, Calif. – November 30, 2021 – Virtual Incision Corporation, a medical device company pioneering first-of-its-kind miniaturized robots for laparoscopic surgery, today announced it has raised $46 million in a Series C funding round. The round was led by Endeavour Vision and Baird Capital with participation from returning investor Bluestem Capital and others. The funds will be used to support regulatory and clinical programs leading to the commercialization of the company’s MIRA® (“miniaturized in vivo robotic assistant”) Surgical Platform. Click here to view the press release.

Lentechs Announces Preliminary Results in Milestone Clinical Trial Evaluating its Investigational Contact Lens for Patients with Presbyopia

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- Patients with presbyopia and presbyopia with astigmatism reported clinically meaningful and statistically superior distance vision for its investigational contact lens APIOC™ (pronunciation: AP•EE•OCK) over their habitual multifocal contact lenses, while having similar intermediate and near visual acuity

- Patients habitually wearing prescription glasses for their presbyopia and presbyopia with astigmatism reported comparable vision at distance, intermediate, and near with APIOC

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lentechs, a clinical-stage ophthalmic medical device company developing a new generation of soft, suspended contact lens, designed to transform the treatment paradigm for presbyopia, today announced key results in a milestone clinical trial evaluating its investigational contact lens for patients with presbyopia and presbyopia with astigmatism. Click here to read the rest of the press release.

Additionally, the company posted this to their LinkedIn channel which you can view here.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of Lentechs LLC

Zerigo Health Raises $43M in Series B Funding

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Zerigo Health Raises $43 Million in Series B Funding to Drive Adoption of the Industry’s Only Connected Light Therapy Solution to Treat Chronic Skin Conditions


  • Funding Round Led by 7wireVentures, joined by General Catalyst, Dragoneer, Cigna Ventures, Leverage Health Solutions, and Leaps by Bayer

  • Glen Tullman, 7wireVentures Managing Partner and Former Livongo CEO and Founder, Named Executive Chairman


Click here to read the full press release.
Additionally, we invite you to see this story that tells more about the funding round and how it all came together.

Shoulder Innovations Announces FDA 510(K) Clearance for InSet™ Reverse Shoulder Platform Technology

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HOLLAND, Mich., August 23, 2021 — Shoulder Innovations Inc, a leading innovator in the development of shoulder replacement systems, announced today that they have received FDA clearance for their InSet™ Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty System.

The InSet™ Reverse Shoulder system seamlessly integrates and rounds out a best in class product line for shoulder arthroplasty including:

  • Class leading AI enabled 3D PreView Software Planning solution to help ensure a more precise implant selection and placement.

  • Broad range of implant types representing 6 different products, seamlessly integrated into one instrument tray allowing efficient treatment of patients with the simplest to the most complex pathologies, optimized for ASC environments,

  • Convertible humeral platform demonstrating best in class fixation, the only true fully convertible humeral inlay system, and surprising minimally invasive bone preservation.

  • Highly innovative instrumentation providing the simplest possible surgery.

  • Published long term clinical data proving the effectiveness of the InSet system.

Click here to read the remainder of the press release or download a pdf copy here.

World’s First Surgery Using Virtual Incision’s MIRA Miniature Robotic System Performed at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska

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Company Begins IDE Study, Advancing Goal of Bringing Robotically Assisted Surgery to Any U.S. Hospital or Ambulatory Surgery Center

Lincoln, Neb., and Pleasanton, Calif. – August, 16, 2021 – Virtual Incision Corporation, a medical device company pioneering first-of-its-kind miniaturized robots for laparoscopic surgery, today announced that the world’s first surgery using the MIRA™ (“miniaturized in vivo robotic assistant”) Surgical Platform has been successfully performed by Michael A. Jobst, M.D., at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Neb.

The robotically assisted right hemicolectomy procedure, which was completed using the MIRA surgical platform via a single incision within the navel, was performed as part of a clinical study of MIRA under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The study will be conducted at a limited number of U.S. hospitals in support of the system’s regulatory pathway to approval.

Read the remainder of the press release here on VIC’s website or an archive PDF of the story here.

Santen and Sydnexis execute an exclusive licensing agreement for SYD-101, a novel investigational treatment for progressive childhood myopia

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10 August 2021 – Geneva, Switzerland – Santen SA, a specialist in ophthalmology, and Sydnexis Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapies for the treatment of progressive myopia, announce the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement for SYD-101, Sydnexis’ investigational proprietary low-dose atropine formulation, for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). SYD-101 is currently undergoing a large multicentre phase III clinical trial, the STAAR study, in Europe and the US.

“Uncorrected myopia is the leading cause of distance vision impairment and it is children with early onset who are at greater risk of long-term eye complications,” says Dr Martina Brandner, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Austria. “At present, only the symptoms of myopia are corrected and so researching SYD-101 in the largest clinical study in this field is a critical step in finding a treatment to target the underlying disease.”

Click here to read the rest of the press release.

Sydnexis Secures $45 Million Series B Financing Led by Visionary Ventures and Bluestem Capital

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10 August 2021 – SAN DIEGO, CA– Sydnexis, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with a proprietary formulation of low dose atropine for the treatment of progressive myopia, today announced the completion of a $45 million Series B financing led by Visionary Ventures, Bluestem Capital, and SC Master Fund, with participation from existing investors RA Capital Management, Longitude Capital, and Medicxi. The financing will be used to fund Sydnexis’ lead candidate, SYD-101, through completion of the fully enrolled pivotal Phase 3 STAAR study for the treatment of progressive myopia in children.

Sydnexis’ STAAR study is the largest pediatric myopia study globally to investigate the use of low dose atropine to retard progressive myopia. In this study, Sydnexis is evaluating two different concentrations of its proprietary atropine formulation SYD-101 (0.01% and 0.03%) versus a placebo control group. SYD-101 is designed to be a best-in-class product with maximum efficacy, comfort and 3-year stability at room temperature, all important product attributes when developing drugs for use in children.

Click here to read the rest of the story on the Sydnexis website.

TherOptix - Monty Montoya Appointed CEO

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July 20, 2021 – Boston – Monty Montoya has been named chief executive officer of TherOptix, a pre-clinical biopharma company focused on delivering clinically impactful therapeutics via a drug-eluding contact lens platform.  TherOptix has received orphan drug designation on its lead candidate (001) for prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). 

 

“TherOptix is developing a novel ophthalmic drug delivery platform that has the potential to be a patient game-changer.  I look forward to leading this great team through regulatory approval and commercialization,” said Monty Montoya, “TherOptix will offer patients the safest and most efficacious way for critical medicines to be delivered to the front and back of the eye.” 

Read the rest of the press release here.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of TherOptix, Inc.

OD Duo Breaks Ground With New Soft Contact Lens For Presbyopes

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This article is posted to Women In Optometry and features Melissa D. Bailey, OD, PhD, associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and tells the story of Lentechs and their APIOC™ for Presbyopia contact lens. Read the full story here on their website or a PDF copy of the article here.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of Lentechs LLC.

Lentechs Announces First Patients Enrolled in Two Milestone Clinical Trials

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COLUMBUS, OH, May 18, 2021 – Lentechs, a clinical-stage ophthalmic medical device company developing a new generation of soft, suspended contact lens, designed to transform the treatment paradigm for presbyopia, today announced progress in its clinical program. The first patients have been enrolled in the Company’s milestone clinical trials LEN101 and LEN102 and fit with its investigational contact lens APIOC (pronunciation: AP•EE•OCK).

You can read the full press release here.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of Lentechs LLC.

Orasis Pharmaceuticals Appoints Industry Veteran, Paul Smith, as President and Chief Operating Officer to Lead the Next Phase of Growth

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April 26, 2021

HERZLIYA, Israel, April 26, 2021 – Orasis Pharmaceuticals, an emerging ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on developing an innovative pharmaceutical solution for the treatment of presbyopia symptoms, today announced the appointment of Paul Smith as president and chief operating officer (COO). Mr. Smith brings over two decades of leadership in eye care and will initiate the global expansion of Orasis from a development stage company into a leading commercial organization, with an immediate emphasis on the U.S. presence.

“I am excited to join Orasis Pharmaceuticals at such a pivotal time in the company’s history,” said Mr. Smith. “Orasis is one of the pioneers in the pharmacologic treatment of ophthalmic disorders, beginning with our focus on the temporary correction of presbyopia and the advancement of our Phase 3 program. It is a privilege to join the team as we build for the future with leaders in the eye care community to provide an alternative that positively impacts the quality of life for people with presbyopia.”

You can read the rest of the story here on Orasis’ website or an archive PDF version of the story here.

Shared by Tyler Stowater, board member of Orasis Pharmaceuticals.