Mynosys Secures $25 Million Funding to Advance Zepto Precision Cataract Surgery Platform

On October 24, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that bio-information technology company Mynosys Cellular Devices (Mynosys) announced the completion of a $25 million financing round (the specific round was not disclosed). This round of financing was led by Decheng Capital.

It is reported that Mynosys will utilize the funds from this financing round to expand its presence in the U.S. market and achieve sustainable development in product R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Upon completion of this financing round, Xu Wei from Decheng Capital, along with ophthalmology-focused venture capitalists Dr. Gil Kliman and Dr. Rob Thornhill, will join the Mynosys Board of Directors. Additionally, Dr. Rob Thornhill has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

Mynosys, founded in 2006 and headquartered in San Francisco, USA, is a globally leading research and development company specializing in ophthalmic devices. The company primarily develops advanced therapeutic equipment for ocular conditions such as cataracts, providing innovative solutions for surgeons and their patients. For over a decade, Mynosys has been dedicated to the development of the Zepto Precision Cataract Surgery Platform, which has now gained international recognition. The company’s goal is to continuously enhance its medical technology and device R&D capabilities to meet the growing healthcare needs of patients.

Cataracts are a group of diseases caused by metabolic disorders of the lens, leading to protein denaturation and opacification. As external light is obstructed by the cloudy lens and cannot be accurately focused on the retina, patients often experience blurred vision. Cataracts are most common in individuals over the age of 40, with incidence rates increasing progressively with age.

Currently, the treatment of cataracts both domestically and internationally remains in an exploratory stage. In some patients with early-stage cataracts, clinical pharmacological intervention can alleviate the condition and lead to slight improvements in visual acuity. The progression from early to advanced stages of cataract is a prolonged process, and the disease may naturally stabilize at a certain developmental stage without severely impairing the patient's vision.

The Zepto Precision Cataract Surgery Platform enables physicians to perform anterior lens capsulotomy in a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient manner. At its core is a micron-scale, foldable, superelastic nitinol capsulotomy device that significantly reduces the risks associated with cataract surgery and enhances procedural precision. Furthermore, Zepto seamlessly integrates into the standard workflow of phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Rob Thornhill, CEO of Mynosys, stated, “Zepto technology holds immense value and potential, having already garnered support from some of the world’s most distinguished ophthalmologists and medical institutions. We will continue to develop innovative devices to help cataract patients restore their vision.”

Decheng Capital, established in 2011 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a globally leading private equity firm. The company primarily provides capital and strategic support to startups, committed to advancing industries such as biopharmaceuticals, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), medical devices, bioinformatics, and life sciences. Decheng Capital manages over $1 billion in assets and has garnered support from some of the world’s most prestigious investment partners.

(Compiled by Xu Xiaoxue)