Silver Linings: ExSight's 2020 year in review

The below is taken from an update we shared with our investors, portfolio companies, and friends as 2020 came to a close. We share some of these reflections here as well. We're hopeful and optimistic that 2021 will bring much more positivity and wish everyone well in the new year. 
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As so many of us do today, we are reflecting on the past year. 2020 was a historic and tragic year by any measure though not without silver linings. We're  focusing on several positive accomplishments and critical milestones as we enter a new year.

• We began the year by announcing an investment in DTx Pharma. DTx is developing technology that will utilize RNA-based therapeutics as the preferred modality for personalized treatment across many therapeutic areas. DTx was able to leverage its technology to improve outcomes in a rodent model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. DTx had a very productive year. They announced prestigious funding awards and grants, added team members, appeared at numerous virtual events, and much more. While 2020 was momentous, 2021 should be even more so. 
• In February we announced a follow-on investment in Envision Diagnostics. Envision has had several significant accomplishments this year that we hope to share with you soon. 
• We announced our investment in Re-Vana Therapeutics, a specialty therapeutic and drug delivery company developing sustained-release therapeutics for significant sight-threatening ocular diseases. This was the first round we led and we were grateful to have participation from our colleagues at InFocus Capital Partners and Visionary Ventures. The Re-Vana investment was the first time we utilized an AngelList Syndicate to amplify our investment. 
• June saw ExSight Ventures mentioned alongside other specialized venture firms in the Wall Street Journal. 
• Dr. Rahhal added "podcast host" to his many titles. Firas began hosting the OIS Retina Podcast this summer. The podcast presents "a unique offering of information, discussion, education, and possibly debate, in the form of small group dialogue or interview between myself and many of the individual stakeholders in this space," Dr. Rahhal commented at launch. His guests have included the prolific Dr. Mark Humayun, ONL Therapeutics CEO David Esposito, and many, many more. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in ophthalmic innovation. 
• Trefoil Therapeutics began their first clinical trial of regenerative treatment for patients with corneal endothelial dystrophies. This is a massive accomplishment for which all involved should be proud. 
• LensGen maintained momentum in their work toward an Investigational Device Exemption ("IDE") approval by closing additional financing and adding James (Jim) Mazzo to the board.
• ONL Therapeutics helped us finish the year on a high note with a successful  $46.9 million Series B financing. The proceeds will take ONL's lead candidate beyond retinal detachment and into the chronic conditions of glaucoma and dry age-related macular degeneration. ExSight continued our support and participation in the round. 

These accomplishments helped us find many silver linings and remain positive throughout the year. We thank the teams of each of these companies and all of our portfolio companies for their tenacity, perseverance, and dedication to advancing ophthalmic innovation.