Claris Bio

Claris Bio is a late-clinical stage biotechnology company operating from Jersey City, NJ, with a sharp focus on developing therapies for corneal diseases. The company was established through the collaboration of scientific co-founders Dr. Reza Dana and Dr. Sunil Chauhan, alongside founding CEO Clarke Atwell. Initial funding for the venture was secured in 2020. The firm's scientific foundation is built upon intellectual property licensed from Massachusetts Eye and Ear, originating from the research of Drs. Dana and Chauhan. Their work identified the therapeutic potential of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) after observing its effects in mesenchymal stem cell research. Dr. Dana is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and serves as the Director of the Cornea Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, while Dr. Chauhan is an Associate Professor in Harvard's Department of Ophthalmology and an affiliated faculty member at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Their combined expertise in immunology, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine underpins the company's direction.

The company's business model centers on the clinical development and commercialization of treatments for ophthalmic disorders. Claris Bio has raised a total of $60.3 million, including a significant Series A round from investors such as Novo Holdings, RA Capital Management, Mass General Brigham Ventures, and Janus Henderson Investors. This capital is being used to advance its clinical trials and expand operations. A key strategic move was a 2020 partnership with Kringle Pharma, which granted Claris Bio worldwide rights to oremepermin alfa for all ophthalmic indications.

Claris Bio's lead program is CSB-001 Ophthalmic Solution 0.1% (oremepermin-α), a topical biologic solution designed to restore corneal integrity. This product is a recombinant human variant hepatocyte growth factor (dHGF) intended to accelerate and improve the quality of healing for patients with corneal eye diseases. The primary target for CSB-001 is neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), a rare degenerative disease caused by impaired corneal nerves. The therapy has multiple beneficial properties, being described as epitheliotropic, neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic. The company is conducting a late-stage, multi-center study for NK and anticipates leveraging oremepermin-α for a pipeline of other treatments. Further indications being actively pursued include limbal stem cell deficiency and the reduction of pre-existing corneal scars, with potential future applications for corneal injuries, ulcers, and chemical burns.

Keywords: ophthalmic therapies, corneal disease, biotechnology, hepatocyte growth factor, HGF, neurotrophic keratopathy, oremepermin-alfa, limbal stem cell deficiency, corneal healing, topical ocular biologic, drug development, Reza Dana, Sunil Chauhan, Clarke Atwell, Kringle Pharma, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, regenerative medicine, corneal ulcers, corneal scars, eye disease treatment, Series A, Novo Holdings, RA Capital Management, Mass General Brigham Ventures, clinical trials, orphan ophthalmic disorders