Neurotech

About Neurotech

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a private biotechnology company concentrating on the development of therapies for chronic retinal diseases. Established in 1995, the firm has centered its efforts on its proprietary Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT) platform. This cell-based delivery system is engineered for the long-term, sustained delivery of therapeutic proteins directly to the back of the eye, representing a significant approach to treating degenerative ocular conditions.

The company's core product, based on the ECT platform, is a small, surgically implanted device. This rice-grain-sized capsule contains genetically engineered human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. These cells, which are modified to thrive in low-oxygen and low-nutrient environments, are designed to continuously produce and secrete specific therapeutic proteins. The implant features a semi-permeable membrane that serves a dual purpose: it allows the therapeutic proteins to exit into the eye while shielding the encapsulated cells from the host's immune system, thereby preventing rejection and ensuring their long-term functionality. This method allows for a steady, controlled dose of medication over a period of years, mitigating risks associated with repeated intraocular injections.

Neurotech's lead product, recently approved by the FDA and marketed as ENCELTO™ (revakinagene taroretcel-lwey), is designed to treat Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel). MacTel is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects both eyes, causing a gradual loss of central vision, typically diagnosed in middle-aged adults. ENCELTO™ is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for this condition. The implant delivers Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF), a potent neuroprotective protein that promotes the survival of photoreceptors, aiming to slow the rate of retinal degeneration. Two Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated that the treatment significantly slowed the loss of macular photoreceptors over a 24-month period. The company anticipates ENCELTO™ will be available to patients in the United States starting in June 2025.

The company is led by President and CEO Richard Small. Previously, Ted Danse served as President and CEO, joining in 2005 with over two decades of experience in the ophthalmic industry, including leadership roles at ISTA Pharmaceuticals. The company's business model is focused on the clinical development and commercialization of its ECT-based therapies. It has secured funding through multiple venture capital rounds to advance its clinical trials. Its clients are patients suffering from chronic retinal diseases, served through ophthalmic surgeons and specialists who perform the implant procedure.