Tampere-based biotech startup StemSight has raised €2.3 million in funding to advance its stem cell-based therapy for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition that leads to corneal blindness. The investment, led by Voima Ventures and supported by Finnish family offices (Stephen Industries Inc. & Biothom Oy), private investors, and Business Finland, will fund preclinical studies, R&D, and manufacturing pilots to prepare for clinical trials. StemSight is developing an off-the-shelf therapy using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) as an alternative to corneal transplants, addressing the shortage of donor corneas, which affects 12.7 million people globally. LSCD, often caused by burns or injuries, currently lacks effective treatment for many patients, making the development of scalable cell therapies a potential step forward in vision care.
StemSight focuses on developing stem cell-based therapies for corneal blindness. The company’s research centers on using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) to create off-the-shelf treatments for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a rare condition that can lead to severe vision loss. StemSight’s approach aims to provide an alternative to traditional corneal transplants, which are limited by donor shortages. By advancing its technology through preclinical studies and manufacturing pilots, the company seeks to address unmet medical needs in ophthalmology.
According to Laura Koivusalo, CEO and Founder at StemSight: “We are grateful for the continued support of Voima Ventures in leading the round and very happy to welcome new investors on our journey to cure blindness. This funding shows that they believe in our vision for StemSight and the world-class team we have put together to bring that vision to life. We are working on the cutting edge of regenerative medicine, and we are eager to push science to new frontiers.”
Stina Wallmark, Life Sciences Investment Director at Voima Ventures, adds: “StemSight’s innovative approach to regenerative medicine stands out for us in the biotech space. By addressing severe corneal blindness through the use of emerging stem cell therapies, they are bringing hope to patients who have no existing treatment options. StemSight’s work on LSCD is just the start—this technology has the potential to transform vision care globally. We are proud to continue supporting their journey in pioneering solutions for patients worldwide.”
StemSight’s lead product is an off-the-shelf therapy designed to cure Limbal stem cell deficien (LSCD) using functional cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). This innovative approach aims to provide a one-time, scalable solution for patients who would otherwise have no treatment options.
LSCD affects approximately 23,000 patients in Europe and the US. This rare condition, often caused by chemical burns or firework injuries that damage the regenerative cells on the corne surface, can lead to severe blindness. Currently, half of LSCD patients lack access to any effective treatment, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic solutions.
Beyond LSCD, StemSight plans to address the global shortage of donor corneas, with 12.7 million people waiting for transplants. By developing scalable, off-the-shelf cell therapies, StemSight strives to provide vision-restoring treatments to millions worldwide who lack access to traditional transplantation options.
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/stemsight-raises-e2-3-million/
