TLDR:
- Qlaris Bio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, raised $24M in Series B funding.
- The funding will support the development of QLS‑111, a therapeutic for lowering intraocular pressure.
Qlaris Bio, based in Dedham, MA, closed a $24M Series B financing round led by Canaan and New Leaf Venture Partners. The company, founded in August 2019, focuses on developing novel therapies for ophthalmic diseases. Their lead program, QLS‑111, aims to lower intraocular pressure by targeting episcleral venous pressure. The company is currently conducting Phase II clinical trials for OAG and OHT, with plans to initiate a trial for NTG by the end of 2024.
The science behind QLS‑111 originated from the lab of Dr. Michael Fautsch at Mayo Clinic. Preliminary data shows that the drug candidate is well-tolerated with no significant safety concerns. The funding will support the continued clinical development of QLS‑111 and other advancements in Qlaris Bio’s pipeline.