Last year we led a £3.2m Series A into NuVision, a Nottingham-based biotech producing innovative ocular therapies from human tissue. Since our initial investment into the newly formed spinout in 2015, NuVision has shipped over 15,000 treatments and expanded to multiple markets across Europe and the Middle East.
NuVision’s products harness the impressive regenerative properties of amniotic membrane, the thin yet strong layer that forms the innermost part of the sac surrounding a baby in the womb. This remarkable tissue protects, supplements and nurtures the foetus during pregnancy and plays a crucial role in foetal development. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-scarring properties, the medical community has been experimenting with its use for over a century, however challenges with storage, logistics and accessibility have often limited its use. NuVision are changing this, though. With their unique and patented manufacturing process, they preserve the integrity, quality and function of this naturally exceptional tissue, without the need for freezing or harsh chemical preparation.
While there is a plethora of exciting applications for NuVision’s technology across wound care, their initial focus is on ophthalmology. In the surgical setting, their products can be applied to the eye for many disease and trauma related conditions. A gamechanger, though, has been the innovative product developments that have enabled the technology to be used outside of the surgical setting. Patients that used to have to undergo surgery can now be treated in an outpatient setting and use has also recently been expanded to high street optometrists too.
One particularly important patient population that can benefit from NuVision’s products is those suffering from dry eye disease (DED). With 344 million people worldwide affected by this condition, it is the single most frequent reason people visit eye care practitioners. For some, they simply feel intermittent discomfort, while for others it is a serious, chronic and vision-threatening condition. In the UK alone, there are over 5.4 million DED sufferers, of which 1 million cases are classified as severe. Lifestyle factors such as computer usage, pollution and air conditioning can all worsen the condition. David shared his touching story of the powerful impact NuVision has had on his healing journey.
Led by a hugely impressive team with a diverse array of expertise, NuVision is embarking on an exciting scale up journey. In the UK, their products are already in use in over 130 NHS centres and 30 private clinics, and the roll out is beginning in high-street optometry. Internationally, NuVision’s products are now available in more than 10 territories. We are delighted to have provided the team with the funding to expand the UK and international sales force, deepen market penetration and bring relief to many more patients globally.