Stuart Therapeutics

About Stuart Therapeutics

Stuart Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2017, is focused on developing treatments for chronic eye diseases by targeting a previously undruggable component of the human body: helical collagen. The company's inception was driven by the founders' personal connections to chronic eye disease, instilling a dedicated pursuit of effective new solutions. Leading the company is President & CEO Eric Schlumpf, a co-founder with extensive experience in leading early-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare. His background includes roles as CEO of PathMD, a VP at T-Mobile, and a partner at Deloitte and Touche. The late Robert O. Baratta, MD, a practicing ophthalmologist for over 40 years, was also a founder and was instrumental in shaping the company's vision.

The core of Stuart Therapeutics' approach is its proprietary PolyCol™ platform, a portfolio of synthesized collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs). This technology was licensed from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) in 2018 and is based on peptide strings developed by UW-Madison emeritus professor Ron Raines. The platform operates on the principle of repairing damaged extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen structures. In chronic diseases, enzymes degrade these structures, disrupting critical cell signaling and leading to inflammation and further damage. PolyCol peptides are designed to bind specifically to these damaged areas, restoring the collagen's structural integrity and healthy signaling, which in turn reduces inflammation and promotes tissue health.

The company's lead product candidate is vezocolmitide (formerly ST-100), a topical drop formulation for the treatment of Dry Eye Disease (DED). Pre-clinical and clinical trials have shown that ST-100 can provide direct molecular repair to damaged corneal tissues, demonstrating a beneficial effect on corneal nerves and epithelial cells. A significant milestone was the completion of a Phase 2 trial between October 2020 and October 2021, which showed promising results with good patient tolerance and minimal side effects compared to existing treatments. Subsequently, the company has advanced to Phase 3 trials, the first of which completed in early 2025, with initial results highlighting rapid therapeutic effects within days. The business model is centered on the research and development of these unique peptide therapeutics, funded through venture capital. In March 2021, Stuart Therapeutics raised $11 million in a Series A round led by InFocus Capital Partners, with participation from WARF, MiMo Capital, and BioBrit, to fund its clinical trials. The company has also entered into strategic partnerships, such as an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Glaukos Corporation for its glaucoma drug candidate, ST-113, which focuses on neuroprotection independent of intraocular pressure. This allows Stuart to receive upfront payments, and potential milestone payments and royalties, while Glaukos covers development costs.