LambdaVision, Inc., led by CEO Nicole Wagner, Ph.D., is advancing the frontier of space-enabled biotechnology. Founded with the mission to restore vision for patients affected by retinal degenerative diseases, the company is developing a protein-based artificial retina in space, designed to help patients regain meaningful sight. These diseases are major causes of blindness worldwide, impacting millions with few effective treatments currently available.
LambdaVision recently closed a $7 million seed funding round co-led by Seven Seven Six and Aurelia Foundry Fund, with additional support from Seraphim Space. This round extends the company’s runway into 2027 and accelerates preclinical development and the scale-up of space-enabled manufacturing. To date, LambdaVision has secured over $17 million in total funding from NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Eye Institute, including multiple NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and In-Space Production Applications (ISPA) awards.
The artificial retina developed by LambdaVision utilizes photoactive proteins similar to those found naturally in the human eye, mimicking light absorption and activating neural cells still present in degenerated retinas. LambdaVision is leveraging microgravity to enhance layer-by-layer deposition to produce the first protein-based artificial retina. The layer-by-layer assembly methodology, a process traditionally done on Earth, can be improved in a LEO environment where reduced gravity improves homogeneity, stability, and performance of thin films such as the protein-based artificial retina.
LambdaVision, in partnership with NASA and Space Tango, has completed nine successful ISS missions validating this microgravity process. These achievements mark a significant step toward scalable space-based production and future clinical trials. LambdaVision’s layer-by-layer technology has important commercial potential in microgravity for applications in clinical and technological arenas. By leveraging the advantages of microgravity, LambdaVision is pioneering space-based biomanufacturing and laying the groundwork for innovations that could advance biotechnology and healthcare. Manufacturing of retinas in space could be another sustainable New Space business case for in-space manufacturing.
Image Credit: LambdaVision /Space Tango
References
LambdaVision Closes $7M Seed Round to Make Retinas in LEO
Space Strategy page of LambdaVision
Nicole Wagner Wants to Help People Regain Vision https://magazine.uconn.edu/2023/06/15/nicole-wagner-want-to-help-people-regain-vision/
LambdaVision raises $7 M seed to manufacture artificial retina in space https://startupsmagazine.co.uk/article-lambdavision-raises-7m-seed-manufacture-artificial-retina-space
LambdaVision raises $7M seed to manufacture protein-based artificial retina in space https://techfundingnews.com/lambdavision-raises-7m-seed-to-manufacture-protein-based-artificial-retina-in-space/