Funding for dry eye treatment

Regenerative medicine company NuVision Biotherapies has secured a £1.4m investment to fund clinical trials of its new Omnigen treatment for dry eye disease.

The therapy is based on research carried out at the University of Nottingham by Dr Andrew Hopkinson, and harnesses the regenerative properties of amniotic membrane which surrounds babies in the womb.

NuVision Biotherapies has also developed Omnilenz, a bespoke contact lens product, which allows Omnigen to be applied in a simple five-minute procedure in outpatient clinics, eliminating the need for surgery and sutures.

The funding comes from the MEIF Proof of Concept and Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, Mercia’s own funds and investment from the University of Nottingham and BioCity.