Foresight Biotherapeutics

Foresight Biotherapeutics was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for ophthalmic and otolaryngology conditions. Founded in 2008 by Jason Stein and Michael Weiser, the New York-based firm operated with a clear objective: to address significant unmet needs in eye care. The founders also established Actin Biomed, a New York-based healthcare investment firm, indicating their deep roots and experience within the healthcare investment and development sector.

The company's core asset was FST-100, a topical ophthalmic drop in late-stage development for the treatment of infectious conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. FST-100 was a combination of 0.6% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and 0.1% dexamethasone. This formulation was notable because it targeted both the viral and bacterial pathogens that cause infectious conjunctivitis, a common ailment that leads to millions of healthcare visits annually in the U.S. and Europe. At the time, no single therapy was approved to effectively treat both forms of the infection, which are often difficult to distinguish based on clinical presentation alone. The product aimed to provide a comprehensive solution that could reduce inflammation while simultaneously eradicating the infectious agents, potentially curbing the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Foresight Biotherapeutics' journey culminated in a significant milestone in August 2015, when it was acquired by Shire plc (now part of Takeda) for $300 million in an all-cash transaction. This acquisition granted Shire the global rights to FST-100, bolstering its ophthalmics portfolio and demonstrating its commitment to becoming a leader in treatments for ocular surface conditions. Prior to the acquisition, Foresight had successfully raised approximately $17 million in funding over two rounds to advance its clinical programs. The sale to a major pharmaceutical company like Shire represented a successful exit for the founders and investors, validating their approach to identifying and developing a promising therapeutic asset.

Keywords: Foresight Biotherapeutics, FST-100, infectious conjunctivitis, ophthalmology, biopharmaceutical, Shire acquisition, Michael Weiser, Jason Stein, Actin Biomed, pink eye treatment, povidone-iodine, dexamethasone, ocular surface disease, adenoviral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, clinical-stage, drug development, topical ophthalmic drops, eye care, Takeda