TearSolutions

The company was co-founded by Gordon W. Laurie, PhD, a Professor of Cell Biology and Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia. Dr. Laurie's extensive, NIH-funded research led to the discovery of lacritin, a naturally occurring protein in human tears that is deficient in most forms of dry eye. This scientific groundwork, which identified a key bioactive fragment of lacritin, became the basis for the company's lead therapeutic candidate. This intellectual property was exclusively licensed to TearSolutions from the University of Virginia Licensing and Ventures Group. The company has successfully raised approximately $43.6 million over 11 funding rounds to advance its clinical programs.

TearSolutions is developing Lacripep™, a novel, first-in-class topical peptide therapy designed as a replacement for the naturally deficient lacritin protein. The product is a synthetic 19-amino acid fragment of lacritin that aims to restore homeostasis to the ocular surface. Its mechanism of action involves repairing the corneal epithelium's barrier function and restoring the normal function of sensory nerves. This is intended to re-establish the natural production of all three layers of the tear film: aqueous, lipid, and mucin. In October 2020, TearSolutions announced positive results from a Phase I/II clinical trial in patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome, a severe form of dry eye. The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both a key sign (corneal staining) and a key symptom (burning and stinging) within two weeks. Following a Type C meeting with the U.S. FDA in late 2021, the company is preparing for two pivotal Phase III trials to further evaluate Lacripep's efficacy in both Sjögren's patients and the broader general dry eye population.

The company's business model is centered on the clinical development and subsequent commercialization of Lacripep™ for a global market of patients suffering from various forms of dry eye disease. Revenue generation will depend on regulatory approval and market adoption of its therapeutic products. In November 2024, the firm secured a $3 million Series B round to accelerate its development programs for rare corneal diseases. Keywords: dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, Lacripep, lacritin, biopharmaceutical, peptide therapy, ophthalmology, Sjögren's Syndrome, clinical trials, corneal health