Keeler Partners With Merakris Therapeutics, Developer of Biological Barrier Graft

Keeler has announced its partnership with Merakris Therapeutics, which is developing commercially scalable biotherapeutic technologies derived from stem cells that promote homeostasis in damaged tissue.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are excited. This partnership accelerates access to our biological barrier graft that protects damaged eye surfaces during healing in patients that suffer from dry eye disease and other corneal defects,” said Chris Broderick, Merakris’ CEO.

The Opticyte Amniotic Ocular Matrix technology is based on a sophisticated and delicate manufacturing process intended to retain extracellular matrix properties and structures. This makes it ideal for ocular applications, according to Keeler. Processed without harsh chemical reagents that may cause irritation when placed in the corneal bed and dehydrated for convenient storage.  Opticyte Matrix provides an ophthalmic barrier to the corneal surface and supports cell attachment and ingrowth.

The Opticyte Amniotic Ocular matrix comes in 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm circular grafts along 1x1cm, and 1x2cm surgical repair grafts.