Avisi Technologies, a clinical-stage ophthalmic medical device company, announced the closing of a $10.7 million Series A financing round to advance development of its investigational VisiPlate glaucoma treatment and support its pivotal SAPPHIRE clinical trial. The round was led by MedVenture Partners, with participation from new investors Sherpa Healthcare Partners, SNBL-Gemseki, SBI US Gateway Fund, Golden Seeds, and OneOneFive. Existing investors, including Good Growth Capital, Accanto Partners, Life Sciences Greenhouse Investment, and Quaker Capital Investments, also participated. As part of the financing, Justin Fukuyama, MS, MBA, Partner at MedVenture Partners, has joined Avisi’s Board of Directors.
The funding will primarily support the SAPPHIRE pivotal clinical trial, which received FDA Investigational Device Exemption approval in 2025, as well as further development of Avisi’s broader glaucoma pipeline. The SAPPHIRE trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VisiPlate, an aqueous shunt engineered to sustainably reduce intraocular pressure by improving fluid outflow in the eye. The trial is currently enrolling patients at multiple sites across the United States.
VisiPlate features a patented metamaterial design that is many times thinner than a human hair and incorporates multiple redundant microchannels intended to provide sustained aqueous flow while minimizing the risk of blockage and re-intervention. The device is made from ultrathin, biocompatible materials to address common causes of failure in existing glaucoma surgical solutions, including occlusion and scarring. Long-term follow-up data from the earlier VITA trial were presented at the 2026 American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and affects more than 133 million people, according to Market Scope’s 2025 Glaucoma Surgical Device Market Report. The disease is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss. The most common forms are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Current treatments include medications, laser therapies, surgeries, and device-based interventions, though many options rely on patient compliance, require repeat procedures, or may lose effectiveness over time due to scarring or blockage.
In addition to VisiPlate, Avisi’s pipeline includes the V-001 sustained intraocular drug-delivery platform and the VisiPlate-S drainage device for treating mild to moderate glaucoma at the time of cataract surgery. The company has received support and recognition from organizations including the National Science Foundation, the Glaucoma Research Foundation, Johnson & Johnson JLABs, Medtech Innovator Accelerator, the UCSF Rosenman Institute, and the University of Pennsylvania.
VisiPlate is an investigational device and is not yet available for sale.
KEY QUOTES
“Glaucoma continues to impose a tremendous burden on patients and healthcare systems. The VisiPlate device addresses a critical gap in patient care, and we are proud to partner with the team at Avisi Technologies to advance this novel treatment into the clinic.”
Justin Fukuyama, MS, MBA, Partner at MedVenture Partners
“Avisi Technologies’ innovative meta-materials and design engineering tackles the unmet needs of glaucoma patients. VisiPlate’s unique materials, ultra-thin profile, and multichannel design, has the potential to redefine treatment, maintain healthy eye pressures, and improve outcomes for patients facing limited options.”
Darren Cai, PhD, MBA, Managing Partner at Sherpa Healthcare Partners
“Avisi’s successful capital raise is a testament to the strong data, steady momentum, and expert team behind the VisiPlate® technology. We look forward to partnering with our world-class investors and clinicians to execute a successful pivotal trial and bring novel, vision-saving technologies to glaucoma patients worldwide.”
Rui Jing Jiang, Founder and CEO of Avisi Technologies
