Understand the loss
Age-related epigenetic changes can reduce ELOVL2 expression and the production of specialized retinal lipids
RETINAL LIPID THERAPEUTICS
A new vision
for dry AMD.
Restoring essential lipids
Rethinking treatment for dry AMD
We are developing therapies designed to restore visual function by replenishing critical lipids lost in the aging retina.
Explore our science
Our focus
Dry age-related
macular degeneration
Our approach
Replacing essential lipids
to support retinal function
01 / OUR SCIENCE
Replenishing retinal lipids
A new direction for dry AMD
The retina depends on essential lipids to support photoreceptors, the neurons that detect light. With age, some of these lipids decline.
Lucina’s approach builds on research linking age-related changes in ELOVL2, an enzyme involved in lipid synthesis, to declining retinal function. We are investigating whether replacing these lipids can help photoreceptors, the neurons that detect light, function better.
Replenish the retina
Our lead program delivers a stabilized lipid molecule directly to the eye through intravitreal injection
Measure function
Our development strategy focuses on visual function, including dark adaptation and vision in low light
PRECLINICAL FOUNDATION
A functional response
in the aging retina
Studies in aged mice have shown improved retinal function following a single dose. Building on these findings, we are developing a stabilized molecule designed to extend the duration of benefit.
Gao et al 2025
02 / OUR PIPELINE
Built on biology.
Designed for translation.
LEAD PROGRAM
LUC-101
Stabilized retinal lipid replacement
Dry AMD, with an initial focus on earlier-stage patients
LUC-101 is an investigational, stabilized form of C24:5n-3. It is designed for intravitreal delivery, with the goal of restoring retinal function while viable photoreceptors remain.
Preclinical developmentClinical development
LUC-101 has not been approved for use. Safety and efficacy in humans have not been established.
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM
LUC-201
A long-acting concept exploring how retinal lipid replacement could support more durable treatment.
03 / OUR PEOPLE
Deep science.
Experienced leadership.
Christopher ChavezPhD
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Jeanette GrantPhD
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder
Martin EmanuelePhD, MBA
Executive Chairman & Co-Founder
David BingamanDVM, PhD, DACVO
Chief Development Officer
SCIENTIFIC CO-FOUNDERS
The science behind Lucina.
Dorota Skowronska-KrawczykPhD
Scientific Co-Founder
UC Irvine
Gavin SherlockPhD
Scientific Co-Founder
Stanford University
Clinical advisors
Theodore Leng, MD, MSDirector of Clinical & Translational Research, Stanford Byers Eye Institute
David Boyer, MDSenior Partner, Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group
Malini Veerappan-Pasricha, MDClinical advisor
Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, PhDChair, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UC Irvine School of Medicine
04 / NEWS
News & updates
Company announcements, scientific progress, and events.
Lucina earns second place at Eyecelerator’s Winning Pitch Challenge
Lucina Biotherapeutics placed second at the Eyecelerator @ AAO 2026 Winning Pitch Challenge in New Orleans, receiving a $15,000 non-dilutive award.
About the Winning Pitch Challenge (opens in a new tab)05 / PARTNERS & INVESTORS
Help bring a new
vision to life.
We welcome conversations with investors, researchers, and development partners who share our ambition to improve visual function in dry AMD.
Contact Lucina chris@lucina.bio