Hong Kong Biotech Start-up Alephoson Biopharmaceuticals Pioneers Eye-Drop Alternative for Vision-Robbing Diseases

Alephoson’s Breakthrough innovation aims to replace painful eye injections with a safer, more convenient solution

Hong Kong-based biotech start-up Alephoson Biopharmaceuticals is taking a bold step toward revolutionizing eye disease treatment. Collaborating with leading universities worldwide, the company is preparing for international clinical trials that could transform how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetes-related macular edema (DME) are treated.

Founded in 2019 and based in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Alephoson has developed a proprietary cell-penetration peptide (CPP) technology. This innovation allows large biologic medications, typically administered through painful injections into the eye, to be delivered via simple eye drops. If successful, this breakthrough could spare millions of patients from years of invasive treatments.

CEO Benjamin Lee revealed that the company is partnering with university hospitals across Hong Kong, mainland China, Asia, and the U.S. to initiate Phase 1 and 2a clinical trials by early next year, following a preclinical toxicity study. The idea originated from Professor Wei Gang, co-founder and deputy director at Fudan University, whose research demonstrated CPP’s potential in ophthalmology.

Dr. Marten Brelen, an associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, will lead the trials focusing on AMD patients. The company is close to securing $10 million in Series A funding to support this groundbreaking work.

With AMD and DME affecting millions worldwide, Alephoson’s innovation could offer a game-changing, accessible alternative for those struggling with vision loss and revolutionize both biotech and healthcare sector.