Research firm Eyestem secures USD 10 million funding, employing the funds towards the advancement of its RPE cell therapy in collaboration with others.
Eyestem Secures $10 Million for Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Eyecyte-RPE™ in India
Eyestem Research Pvt. Ltd., an Indian cell therapy company, has successfully secured $10 million in Series B funding to advance its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of Eyecyte-RPE™, a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell therapy for geographic atrophy, a severe stage of dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (dry AMD).
The funding round, which was oversubscribed, had strong participation from existing investors, including Endiya Partners, an early backer of Eyestem. The round was also led by a strategic partner.
Dr. Jogin Desai, Founder and CEO of Eyestem, stated that this milestone strengthens the company's foundation for global expansion while ensuring patient access to transformative therapies. He added, "Our work offers new hope to millions affected by Dry AMD."
The Phase 1 clinical trial for Eyecyte-RPE™ was completed in June 2025, demonstrating a strong safety profile and early signs of clinical benefit, including improvements in visual acuity among treated patients. The company has submitted the Phase 1 study report to India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and is awaiting regulatory approval to proceed with Phase 2 enrollment.
The ongoing Phase 2 trial will test Eyecyte-RPE™ in a larger population of patients with moderate geographic atrophy, aiming to confirm safety and further evaluate efficacy. Funding will also support preparation for filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating plans for future international expansion.
Eyecyte-RPE™ is a cutting-edge therapy derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), designed to replace damaged RPE cells and potentially regenerate diseased retinal tissue.
The latest update on Eyestem's Phase 2 clinical trial for Eyecyte-RPE™ in India for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (dry AMD) is a significant step forward in the company's mission to position India as a key player in advanced cell therapy innovation.
[1] Eyestem secures $10 million in Series B funding
[2] Eyestem completes Phase 1 clinical trial of Eyecyte-RPE™
[3] Eyestem awaits regulatory approval for Phase 2 enrollment
[4] Eyestem plans for future international expansion
[1] The funding of $10 million for Eyestem in Series B will support the company's Phase 2 clinical trial of Eyecyte-RPE™, an innovative retinal pigment epithelial cell therapy for medical-conditions like Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.[2] Eyestem Research Pvt. Ltd. recently completed the Phase 1 clinical trial of Eyecyte-RPE™, demonstrating a strong safety profile and early signs of clinical benefit for health-and-wellness of patients with Dry AMD.[3] Eyestem is awaiting regulatory approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for Phase 2 enrollment, which will test Eyecyte-RPE™ on a larger population with moderate geographic atrophy.[4] Funding from this round will also aid in preparing for the filing of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating Eyestem's plans for future international expansion in the science and medical-conditions sectors.
