After showing power in its frequency of dosing and efficacy, Vabysmo (faricimab) has been approved by the FDA for treating wet, or neovascular, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. The bispecific monoclonal antibody was developed by Roche Holding AG units, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Genentech Inc.

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research in Japan have deployed improved genetically modified human stem cell-derived retinal transplants to treat rats with retinitis pigmentosa, a major cause of hereditary human blindness.

Touting a series of firsts and a premium price tag to match, Immunocore Holdings plc is poised to launch the uveal melanoma drug tebentafusp in the U.S. following FDA approval for the medicine. The regulatory nod makes the drug, branded Kimmtrak, the first T-cell receptor-based therapy to reach the market, the first approval for a drug targeting gp100, and the first drug approved in 40 years for the cancer, which is the most common eye cancer in adults, though still rare.

Cellusion Inc. recently closed a ¥1.1 billion ($9.5 million) financing, bringing its total 2021 fundraising to ¥1.7 billion. The company is preparing to enter the clinic with CL-S001, its corneal endothelial substitute cell candidate for treating corneal edema due to endothelial dysfunction, or bullous keratopathy.