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 the lipids.
Reimagining what treatment can do.
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
Looking upstream.
Thinking in lipids.
The aging retina loses more than time. It loses some of the lipids it needs to function.
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 form of C24:5n-3 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 improvements in retinal function following a single intravitreal dose of native C24:5n-3. This research underpins our development of a stabilized lipid candidate.
Animal findings provide a rationale for development. Clinical benefit in people has not been established.
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 founders &
clinical advisors
Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhDScientific founder · UC Irvine
Gavin Sherlock, PhDScientific founder · Stanford University
Theodore Leng, MD, MSClinical advisor
David Boyer, MDClinical advisor
Malini Veerappan-Pasricha, MDClinical advisor
04 / 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