Investment Supports Commercialization of Innovative Decellularized Placental Tissue Technology for Ocular Surface Disease and Surgical Management

ExSight Ventures, a leading venture capital firm focused on transformational eye care innovations, today announced its investment in DefEYE, Inc., a rapidly growing ocular company developing decellularized placental-based tissue solutions to transform and personalize therapeutic approaches in eye care.

DefEYE is pioneering the ocular biologics landscape with an innovative approach to both ocular surface disease and ocular surgical management. The company is focused on delivering a portfolio of innovative decellularized biologic solutions that optimize treatment and management of various eye care conditions, including ocular surface diseases, pterygium surgery, and other surgical interventions.

"ExSight's investment defies our initial skepticism of the technology and the market," said Firas Rahhal, cofounder at ExSight Ventures. "We were introduced to DefEYE's CEO through a trusted advisor, friend, and colleague. Continued conversations with ExSight's proprietary network of ophthalmologists across the nation revealed several critical factors, including better clinical outcomes, improved patient experience, and consequently, growing adoption."

The funding will enable DefEYE to accelerate commercialization through continued growth and expansion.

ExSight Ventures is not alone in recognizing DefEYE's potential after initial skepticism. Neel Desai, MD recently shared, "I came to it with an equal amount of skepticism. What I immediately noticed was that I was getting clinical outcomes just as good — if not faster — and patients were far more comfortable." See Dr. Desai's full comments on DefEYE on LinkedIn.

"We work hard to find exceptional, driven, dynamic entrepreneurs at ExSight Ventures," shared ExSight co-founder Dr. Michael Nissen. "Dr. Sambursky embodies those traits. We are happy to back Rob and DefEYE's portfolio of decellularized biologics for the eye."

“ExSight Ventures’ deep knowledge and long-standing commitment to advancing innovation in the ophthalmic space make them an ideal strategic partner for DefEYE,” said Rob Sambursky, MD, Chief Executive Officer of DefEYE, Inc. “Their investment represents a strong validation of our vision to redefine ocular biologics through decellularized placental-based technology. Together, we are positioned to accelerate the adoption of regenerative therapies that elevate the clinical management of both ocular surface disease and ocular surgery.”

About DefEYE, Inc.

DefEYE, Inc. is a rapidly growing ocular company on a mission to transform and personalize therapeutic approaches in eye care. DefEYE uses decellularized placental-based tissue to redefine the ocular biologics landscape with an innovative approach to both ocular surface disease and ocular surgical management. For more information, visit defeye.com

About ExSight Ventures

ExSight Ventures (EV) is a venture capital firm built to serve an underserved corner of the innovation economy: early-stage life sciences. With deep clinical expertise and venture discipline, we stand as trusted partners for innovators transforming ophthalmology. Our commitment is to back pioneering teams advancing breakthrough innovations to patients who need them most. www.exsightventures.com

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