TearSolutions, a Charlottesville-based biotechnology startup just received an $8.5 million shot in the arm, courtesy of the VTC Innovation Fund and Pharmstandard International, one of Russia’s largest pharmaceutical companies.
The investment is designed to power TearSolutions through its ongoing phase I and II clinical trials for Lacripep, a new therapy for dry eye disease.
Carilion Clinic is participating in the trial through its relationship with Roanoke-based Vistar Eye Center.
The company is built around Lacritin, a protein that company co-founder and University of Virginia researcher Gordon Laurie discovered in 2001.
