Oxford Finance has acquired Kala Bio for an undisclosed amount, completing the purchase of the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. This corporate acquisition marks Oxford Finance’s entry into a specialized segment of the biotech industry, focused on innovative therapies for severe and rare diseases of the eye.
Kala Bio is dedicated to the research and development of novel treatments for ophthalmic conditions. The company leverages a proprietary mesenchymal stem cell secretome (MSC-S) platform to develop biologics-based investigational therapies, noted for their potential regenerative healing effects. Kala Bio's lead product candidate, KPI-012, a human MSC-S, is currently in clinical development for persistent corneal epithelial defect (PCED), a rare disease characterized by impaired corneal healing. KPI-012 has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company also aims to develop KPI-012 for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency and other rare corneal diseases, while initiating preclinical studies for retinal degenerative diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Stargardt Disease. Kala Bio previously divested its commercial products to Alcon, sharpening its focus on its biologics pipeline.
This acquisition is strategically poised to capitalize on Kala Bio’s advanced scientific platform and robust clinical pipeline in rare and severe eye diseases. For Oxford Finance, the outright purchase represents a direct and substantial investment into a high-growth area of biopharmaceutical innovation, addressing significant unmet medical needs. Expected synergies include accelerating the development timelines and potential commercialization of Kala Bio’s promising therapies, supported by enhanced financial and operational backing.
The combined entity is anticipated to strengthen efforts in bringing novel and effective treatments to patients afflicted with sight-threatening ophthalmic conditions. This integration aims to expedite the journey from advanced clinical development to broader patient access for these critical and innovative therapies, ultimately striving to preserve vision and improve lives.