Viewpoint Therapeutics

About Viewpoint Therapeutics

Viewpoint Therapeutics, established in 2014, operated as a biotechnology company focused on addressing diseases related to protein misfolding, with a specific emphasis on ophthalmology. The company was co-founded by Leah Makley, who served as the Chief Executive Officer, and Jason Gestwicki. The foundational technology originated from the research conducted in Dr. Gestwicki's lab at the University of Michigan, in collaboration with Dr. Usha Andley's lab at Washington University in St. Louis.

The core of Viewpoint's business was the development of small molecule crystallin stabilizers intended to prevent and treat cataracts and presbyopia. Its lead product candidate, VP1-001, was designed as a topical eye drop to stabilize the soluble native form of alpha-crystallin. This mechanism aimed to reverse protein aggregation in the eye's lens, thereby restoring its natural transparency and elasticity, offering a non-surgical alternative for these common age-related eye conditions. The company's primary clients would have been patients suffering from cataracts and presbyopia, operating within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology market for ophthalmic therapies.

Throughout its operation, Viewpoint Therapeutics achieved several key milestones, including securing a Series A funding round in May 2016 and a significant $35 million Series B financing in March 2018. This later round was led by The Rise Fund and included participation from other notable investors such as Novo Holdings A/S and Mission Bay Capital. The company's journey as an independent entity concluded in July 2022, when it was acquired by Visus Therapeutics. This acquisition integrated Viewpoint's assets and library of drug candidates into Visus's pipeline, aiming to accelerate the development of non-surgical treatments for cataracts and presbyopia.