Perceive Pharma

About Perceive Pharma

Perceive Pharma operates as a pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel small molecule therapeutics for ophthalmic diseases. The company was spun out from its parent, Perceive Biotherapeutics, in early 2025 to specifically accelerate the development of neuroprotective therapies. This strategic move was supported by a $15 million Series A financing round with participation from notable investors including Deerfield Management, Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JJDC), Braidwell LP, GV, the Retinal Degeneration Fund, and Catalio Capital Management.

The foundation of Perceive Pharma's work is the research of its co-founders, Dr. Don Zack and Dr. Derek Welsbie. Dr. Zack is a distinguished investigator at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Their research utilized a comprehensive genomic screening process in retinal cells to identify key neuroprotective biological pathways. This scientific groundwork has enabled the company to build a library of drug candidates aimed at slowing or halting the degeneration of neural cells in the retina.

The company's primary focus is on addressing significant unmet needs in ophthalmology, particularly for glaucoma. Current treatments for glaucoma primarily target the lowering of intraocular pressure, yet many patients continue to experience vision loss. Perceive Pharma's approach is to provide neuroprotection independently of the genetic causes of the disease, offering a new potential treatment avenue. Its lead therapeutic candidate is PBI-671, and the Series A funding is intended to advance this and other first-in-class therapies toward clinical readiness. The company operates out of San Francisco, California, and is a resident of JLABS @ San Diego, a life science incubator network.