Loading organizations...
§ Private Profile · San Francisco, CA, USA
Perceive Pharma is a technology company.
Perceive Pharma develops novel small molecule neuroprotective therapeutics, targeting ophthalmic diseases like glaucoma and retinal degeneration. The company translates deep genetic insights into powerful therapies, leveraging protective biology to safeguard ocular health. This precision approach addresses critical unmet needs in serious eye conditions.
Perceive Pharma's scientific foundation emerged from co-founders Drs. Don Zack and Derek Welsbie. They identified crucial neuroprotective pathways via sophisticated genomic screening, providing the core insight driving therapeutic development. Their combined expertise in ophthalmology and genetic research underpins the company's innovative strategy.
Perceive Pharma targets patients facing progressive ophthalmic neurodegenerative diseases. The company envisions a transformative treatment paradigm, delivering effective neuroprotective solutions. Their goal is to significantly slow or halt disease progression, preserving vision and enhancing quality of life for individuals with debilitating eye conditions.
Perceive Pharma has raised $31.5M across 2 funding rounds.
Perceive Pharma has raised $31.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Perceive Pharma has raised $31.5M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $15.0M Series A in February 2025.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2025 | $15M Series A | Deerfield Management | Kiersten Stead | Announced |
| Jun 16, 2022 | $16.5M Series B | Benjamin Yerxa | — | Announced |
Perceive Pharma has raised $31.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Perceive Pharma's investors include Deerfield Management, Kiersten Stead, Benjamin Yerxa.
Perceive Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel small molecule neuroprotective therapeutics to prevent vision loss in glaucoma and other ophthalmic diseases.[3][5][6] Spun out from Perceive Biotherapeutics, it targets neural cell degeneration in the retina independently of intraocular pressure, addressing unmet needs for patients—over 1.5 million Americans with progressing glaucoma despite existing treatments.[4][5] The company serves patients with glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and potentially other ocular indications, solving the problem of neurodegeneration in conditions where current therapies fall short.[3][5] In December 2024, it raised $15 million in Series A funding from Deerfield Management, Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JJDC), Braidwell LP, GV, Catalio Capital Management, and the RD Fund, fueling preclinical advancement of its lead candidate, PBI-671, with strong growth momentum via expert leadership and board additions like Carol Gallagher, Pharm.D.[3][4][5][6]
Perceive Pharma emerged as a spin-out from Perceive Biotherapeutics in late 2024 to accelerate small molecule development, distinct from its parent's gene therapy focus on dry AMD.[3][5] It was founded by renowned researchers Don Zack, MD, PhD (Guerrieri Professor at Johns Hopkins' Wilmer Eye Institute) and Derek Welsbie, MD, PhD, who conducted genomic screening in retinal cells to identify top neuroprotective pathways.[3][4][5] This research, spanning decades of academic work on protective biologies in retinal degeneration, pinpointed candidates like PBI-671 through collaboration with industry partners.[4][5] Early traction came swiftly with the $15M Series A close in December 2024, backed by top-tier investors, and K. Angela Macfarlane as CEO driving momentum toward clinical stages.[4][5]
Perceive Pharma rides the wave of neuroprotection in ophthalmology, a shift from pressure-lowering glaucoma treatments to disease-modifying therapies amid rising demand for vision-preserving biotech.[4][5] Timing aligns with surging investment in retinal degenerations—glaucoma affects millions globally, with half of normal-tension cases underserved—fueled by aging populations and advances in genomic screening.[3][5] Market forces like RD Fund's focus on retinal diseases and big pharma interest (e.g., J&J) favor it, as neuroprotection fills gaps in AMD, RP, and beyond.[3] It influences the ecosystem by spinning validated science into small molecules, complementing gene therapies like Perceive Bio's, and accelerating sight-saving innovation through Deerfield-led networks.[3][5][6]
Perceive Pharma's near-term path centers on advancing PBI-671 into clinic for glaucoma, leveraging Series A funds for proof-of-concept data amid preclinical momentum.[5][6] Trends like AI-driven screening and combo therapies with IOP-lowering agents will shape it, potentially expanding to neurodegeneration beyond eyes (e.g., hearing disorders per related pipelines).[8] Its influence could grow via partnerships or buyouts, given founders' Johns Hopkins ties and blue-chip backers, positioning it to transform outcomes for millions—echoing its origin in breakthrough retinal science to deliver first-in-class neuroprotectants.[3][5]