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§ Private Profile · 1500 District Ave, Burlington, MA, US
Clinical-stage biotech developing minimally-invasive treatments for ectatic corneal diseases, focusing on EpiSmart CXL.
Founded in 2012 and based in Burlington, Massachusetts, Epion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing minimally invasive treatments for ectatic corneal diseases like keratoconus. The organization's flagship product, the EpiSmart epithelium-on cross-linking system, strengthens the cornea without disrupting its surface to enable faster patient recovery and bilateral treatment. Led by key executives Michael Webb, Michael Belin, and Jon Talamo, the firm is currently conducting Phase 3 clinical trials for EpiSmart to secure FDA approval. Operating with fewer than 25 employees, the enterprise recently secured a $425,500 investment from New World Angels as part of an $18.5 million convertible note funding round in September 2025. Originally operating under the name CXL Ophthalmics before officially rebranding in 2023, the company also recently received a United States patent for its cross-linking light therapy device in January 2025.
Epion Therapeutics has raised $32.0M across 1 funding round.
Epion Therapeutics has raised $32.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Epion Therapeutics has raised $32.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Epion Therapeutics's investors include Curt LaBelle, Adjuvant Capital.
# Epion Therapeutics: Correcting the Record
Epion Therapeutics is not a technology company—it is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a minimally invasive medical treatment for corneal diseases.[1][2][3]
Epion Therapeutics is a medical device and therapeutic developer focused on treating ectatic corneal diseases, primarily keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that causes corneal thinning and distortion.[1][2] The company's core product, EpiSmart, is a transformative cross-linking system designed to strengthen weakened corneas without disrupting the corneal epithelium—a critical advancement over existing treatments that require painful epithelial removal and extended recovery periods.[1][3]
The company addresses a significant clinical gap: current standard-of-care treatments for keratoconus involve documented disease worsening, epithelial removal, slow and painful recovery, and risks including corneal haze, infection, and scarring.[1] EpiSmart enables rapid recovery—most patients return to work or school within 48 hours—and allows simultaneous bilateral treatment in over 70% of cases, eliminating the need for documented disease progression before intervention.[1]
Epion Therapeutics was founded in 2012 and is based in Burlington, Massachusetts, though it also maintains operations in Encinitas, California.[1][2] The company was formerly known as CXL Ophthalmics.[1] Notably, Epion was founded and is supported by Michael W. Belin, MD, Chief Medical Officer, who developed the Belin ABCD Progression Display—a diagnostic tool that identifies keratoconus progression earlier than previously available metrics.[2] This clinical expertise at the founding level reflects the company's deep roots in ophthalmology and corneal disease management.
Epion operates at the intersection of two significant healthcare trends: early intervention in progressive eye diseases and minimally invasive treatment paradigms. Keratoconus affects millions globally, yet current treatments delay intervention until documented disease progression occurs, limiting early prevention.[2] By enabling epithelium-on cross-linking, Epion aligns with the broader shift toward patient-centric care that prioritizes rapid recovery and quality of life—particularly important for working-age patients who cannot afford extended downtime.
The company's partnership with OCULUS signals confidence from established medical device leaders and positions Epion within a growing ecosystem of corneal health innovation. The timing is favorable: increased awareness of keratoconus progression metrics (driven by tools like the Belin ABCD Display) creates demand for earlier intervention options.
Epion stands at a critical inflection point. With Phase 3 enrollment expected to complete by early 2025 and an NDA submission anticipated, the company is positioned to potentially establish a new standard of care for keratoconus treatment.[1][4] Success hinges on Phase 3 data validation and FDA approval, which would unlock a substantial market of patients currently underserved by existing therapies.
The company has raised $32 million to date, with backing from healthcare-focused investors including AXA IM Alts.[1][4] As regulatory clarity emerges, Epion's ability to scale manufacturing partnerships (leveraging OCULUS's global infrastructure) and expand clinical adoption will determine whether it becomes the dominant treatment paradigm for corneal ectasia—a transformation that could reshape how ophthalmologists approach early disease intervention.
Epion Therapeutics has raised $32.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $32.0M Series A in September 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2022 | $32M Series A | Curt Labelle | Adjuvant Capital | Announced |