Kala Pharmaceuticals Named One of the "Fierce 15" Leading Biotech Companies of 2013
Sept. 24, 2013
WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading developer of innovative products that rapidly and effectively penetrate the mucosal barrier to treat ocular diseases, announced today that it has been named by FierceBiotech as one of 2013's Fierce 15 biotechs, designating it as one of the most promising private biotechnology companies in the industry. This is FierceBiotech's eleventh annual Fierce 15 selection.
"Kala Pharmaceuticals has everything that makes a Robert Langer biotech worth watching: A former grad student championing cool new technology, a batch of close venture backers and an experienced team to make it all work," says John Carroll, the editor of FierceBiotech. "Their big idea could change the way eye diseases are treated and has extensive potential in other key areas of the body protected by mucus. They deserve close attention."
The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being "fierce" – championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. Every year, FierceBiotech evaluates hundreds of private companies from around the world for its annual Fierce 15 list, which is based on a variety of factors such as the strength of its technology, partnerships, venture backers and a competitive market position. A complete list of "Fierce 15" companies – the online newsletter's tenth annual selection – is available online at www.FierceBiotech.com.
"There is a clear need for breakthrough therapeutic solutions to address the significant and rapidly growing ocular disease market," said Guillaume Pfefer, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Kala Pharmaceuticals. "Inclusion in the Fierce 15 is an honor that highlights the strength of Kala's scientific approach to developing improved treatments for both front and back of the eye disease."
About Kala Pharmaceuticals
Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is advancing innovative treatments for ocular diseases addressing significant unmet needs in both front and back of the eye based on the Company's proprietary Mucus Penetrating Particle (MPP) technology. Kala's topical ocular MPP formulations enhance penetration of diverse therapeutic agents into ocular tissue, including those in the back of the eye, by facilitating penetration through the mucus layer of tear film. Kala's product development pipeline includes: a 1% formulation of loteprednol etabonate (1% LE-MPP) to treat post-surgical ocular inflammation and pain, expected to enter a pivotal clinical study in 2014; a 0.25% LE-MPP formulation for dry eye, blepharitis, and retinal disease, expected to enter clinical trials in 2014, and a topically applied receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (RTKi-MPP) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is advancing toward selection of a clinical candidate in 2014.
Kala's approach to penetrating mucus layers also has potential application in other disease areas, such as respiratory, female reproductive tract, and gastrointestinal diseases, and in these areas the Company will seek partners to out-license its breakthrough technology. Kala was founded by leaders in the fields of nanomedicine and biopharmaceutical engineering, maintains an esteemed group of advisors including co-founder and MIT professor Dr. Robert Langer, and is backed by leading investors including Lux Capital, Polaris Venture Partners, Third Rock Ventures, and Crown Venture Fund, LLC. For more information, please visit www.kalarx.com.
Contacts
Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Guillaume Pfefer, Ph.D., 781-810-4748
[email protected]
or
Media:
The Yates Network
Gina Nugent
[email protected]
Source: Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.