Restore Vision

About Restore Vision

Restore Vision Inc. is a Japanese biopharmaceutical company established in November 2016 by co-founder Dr. Yusaku Katada. Dr. Katada, an ophthalmologist with a decade of experience and a PhD in Medical Science, also heads the outpatient retinal degenerative diseases clinic at Keio University Hospital. His background in researching visual restoration gene therapy directly informs the company's mission.

The company was founded based on the promising results of joint research between Keio University School of Medicine and Nagoya Institute of Technology. Restore Vision is focused on developing a visual restoration gene therapy for blindness caused by genetic retinal disorders, particularly retinitis pigmentosa, which is the second leading cause of blindness in Japan. The company's business model revolves around the research and development of gene therapeutic drugs in the ophthalmology sector.

The lead product, RV-001, is a gene therapy that utilizes an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver a unique functional gene coding for 'Chimeric Rhodopsin', a protein-based optical sensor. This therapy is designed to be genotype-agnostic, meaning it can be effective regardless of the specific genetic mutation causing retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment involves a minimally invasive intravitreal injection that enables remaining interneurons in the retina to express the chimeric rhodopsin, thereby restoring vision to patients who have lost photoreceptor cells. A single administration is expected to have a semi-permanent therapeutic effect. A key feature is its high sensitivity, which may allow patients to see even in low-light conditions. The company announced the first patient was dosed in a Phase I/II clinical trial for RV-001 in February 2025.

Restore Vision has secured significant funding to advance its research, raising a total of 2.2 billion yen in equity funding. The Series A funding round, led by Remiges Ventures, included both existing investors like ANRI and new investors such as DBJ Capital and Spiral Capital. The company has offices in Tokyo and Kobe.