Eyewire │ 01.29.2024
OcuCell has announced funding from the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA). Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1961, EBAA member banks have provided over 2,000,000 corneal transplants. OcuCell says the partnership will enable the company to have a connection to nearly the entire corneal transplant community in the US market.
In addition to funding, EBAA President and CEO, Kevin Corcoran, will join the OcuCell Board of Directors; and Jennifer Li, MD, will join the OcuCell Scientific Advisory Board as a designated EBAA liaison. Dr. Li is the Director, Cornea and External Disease Service, and Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, at UC Davis Health System Eye Center.“EBAA and our members take pride in having set the standard for quality and excellence in corneal transplantation since our inception in 1961,” said Mr. Corcoran. “Our organization believes strongly in innovation and collaboration. Our investment in OcuCell is an extension of our long-standing history of ensuring the best possible outcomes for those in need of sight restoring therapies.”
“EBAA’s investment not only validates our commitment to excellence, but also strengthens our financial footing as we embark on the next phase of ocular cell therapy product development," said OcuCell Co-Founder, Albert Jun, MD, PhD. “We are excited to welcome them and know their extensive knowledge in the eye banking aligns perfectly with our vision to provide state-of-the-art ocular cell therapy solutions that improve lives.”