Healome Therapeutics Closes £2 Million Seed Round Led by Empirical Ventures to Advance Eye-Drop Matrix Technology for Ocular Surface Diseases

Healome Therapeutics, a University of Birmingham spinout specializing in ocular drug delivery, has successfully raised £2 million in an oversubscribed seed financing round. The funding round, which closed on July 7, 2026, was led by Empirical Ventures and included participation from DEBRA Research, Cure EB, Oshen Bio, and existing investor SFC Capital. The capital will be allocated towards pre-clinical development, manufacturing scale-up, and regulatory engagement with the UK’s MHRA and the US FDA, with the aim of progressing towards first-in-human studies expected in 2027.

Healome Therapeutics is focused on addressing the challenges associated with ocular surface diseases, particularly the limitations of conventional eye drops that often clear from the eye surface within minutes. This rapid clearance necessitates frequent dosing regimens, which can lead to poor patient adherence. The company’s proprietary eye-drop matrix technology is designed to enhance drug retention on the ocular surface, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. This technology has the potential to disrupt the ocular surface disease market, which is estimated to exceed $12 billion, with dry eye disease alone representing a $5 billion opportunity affecting over 350 million individuals globally.

The technology developed by Healome utilizes structured polymers that behave like a liquid upon application but then form a protective matrix on the ocular surface. This innovative approach allows for the delivery of a wide range of drugs, from small molecules to complex biologics. The platform has already demonstrated efficacy in pre-clinical models, showing rapid corneal healing with minimal side effects when used to deliver an anti-scarring biologic drug. Healome holds five patent families related to its matrix architecture, which employs established pharmaceutical-grade polymers, thereby minimizing manufacturing and regulatory complexities.

The involvement of DEBRA Research and Cure EB highlights the strategic importance of Healome's technology in addressing the ocular complications associated with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic condition that can lead to severe ocular issues. The investment from these organizations underscores the urgent need for effective treatments for patients suffering from EB, who often face chronic pain and recurrent corneal abrasions. By focusing on this niche yet critical area, Healome aims to provide patient-friendly therapeutic solutions that could significantly improve quality of life for those affected.

The successful fundraising round for Healome Therapeutics reflects broader trends in the ophthalmology sector, where innovative drug delivery systems are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance treatment outcomes. As the demand for effective therapies for ocular surface conditions continues to grow, Healome's advancements may pave the way for new standards in ocular drug delivery. The company's progress towards clinical trials could also attract further investment and interest from stakeholders in the biopharmaceutical landscape, potentially catalyzing advancements in the treatment of both common and rare ocular diseases.