Healome Therapeutics Closes £2 Million Seed Round Led by Empirical Ventures to Advance Eye-Drop Matrix Technology for Ocular Surface Diseases

Healome Therapeutics, a University of Birmingham spinout focused on ocular drug delivery, has successfully closed a £2 million (approximately $2.5 million) oversubscribed seed financing round. The funding round, which took place in July 2026, was led by Empirical Ventures and included participation from DEBRA Research, Cure EB, Oshen Bio, and existing investor SFC Capital. The capital raised will be utilized to advance Healome's proprietary eye-drop matrix technology aimed at treating ocular surface diseases, supporting pre-clinical development, manufacturing scale-up, and regulatory engagement with the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Healome's innovative eye-drop matrix technology addresses a critical challenge in ocular drug delivery: the rapid clearance of conventional eye drops from the ocular surface, which can occur within minutes. This quick clearance necessitates frequent dosing, often up to 20 times per day, leading to poor patient adherence and treatment outcomes. The technology has the potential to significantly improve drug retention on the ocular surface, which is particularly important for conditions such as dry eye disease, a market estimated at $5 billion globally, affecting over 350 million individuals. The broader ocular surface disease market exceeds $12 billion, encompassing multiple indications and highlighting the substantial unmet medical needs in this sector.

The eye-drop matrix developed by Healome utilizes structured polymers that behave like a liquid upon application but then form a protective matrix that enhances drug retention and delivery. This platform is versatile, capable of delivering a range of therapeutic agents, including small molecules and complex biologics. Healome's technology has already demonstrated efficacy in pre-clinical models, including successful delivery of an anti-scarring biologic for corneal injuries, resulting in rapid healing with minimal side effects. The company holds five patent families related to its matrix architecture, which is based on established pharmaceutical-grade polymers, ensuring a smoother regulatory pathway.

The involvement of DEBRA Research and Cure EB in this funding round underscores the focus on addressing the ocular complications associated with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic condition that can lead to severe ocular issues. The investment will support Healome's efforts to develop treatments specifically targeting these complications, which currently lack effective therapeutic options. This strategic alignment not only enhances Healome's product pipeline but also addresses a significant gap in care for patients suffering from EB.

The successful fundraising round for Healome Therapeutics reflects a growing interest in innovative solutions within the ophthalmology sector, particularly those that enhance drug delivery and patient adherence. As the company progresses toward its first-in-human studies anticipated in 2027, the advancements in ocular drug delivery technology could have broader implications for the treatment landscape, potentially improving outcomes for millions of patients with chronic ocular conditions. The investment environment for biotech and healthcare innovations remains robust, indicating a positive outlook for companies like Healome that are poised to address significant unmet medical needs.