TheiaNova

TheiaNova Limited is a New Zealand-based biotechnology company developing a non-surgical treatment for vision disorders, primarily focusing on keratoconus. The company was spun out of the University of Auckland in 2022 and is headquartered in Auckland.

The company's core technology originated from research conducted at the University of Auckland by Professors Colin Green and Trevor Sherwin, Associate Professor Ilva Rupenthal, and PhD student Carol Greene. Their work revealed that corneal cells, known as keratocytes, could be reprogrammed to produce a type of collagen typically expressed only during embryonic development. This discovery formed the basis for a novel treatment to strengthen the corneas of patients with keratoconus. TheiaNova was established to commercialize this intellectual property, which was secured with the help of UniServices, the university's commercialization arm. Carissa Fonseca, who has a background in medical imaging and product development, joined as CEO in September 2022.

TheiaNova's lead product is a patented eyedrop solution designed to treat keratoconus, a progressive disorder that thins and weakens the cornea, leading to distorted vision. Unlike existing treatments such as rigid contact lenses or invasive corneal cross-linking surgery, TheiaNova's therapy is non-invasive. The treatment involves a twice-daily application of the eyedrop for a three-week period. This formulation combines a human growth factor (TGF-B3) with a low-dose steroid (dexamethasone) to stimulate the patient's own corneal cells to produce new collagen, thereby rebuilding the cornea's structural integrity and rigidity. This approach aims not just to halt the disease's progression but also offers the potential to correct lost vision.

The company operates on a model of advancing its therapy through clinical trials to gain regulatory approval and then bringing it to market. TheiaNova has received seed funding from investors including Bridgewest Ventures NZ, Auckland UniServices, and Callaghan Innovation's technology incubator program. As of mid-2025, the company was actively seeking to raise USD $10 million to fund Phase I and II clinical trials, following a human proof-of-concept study. Beyond keratoconus, the technology has potential applications for other corneal disorders, such as post-refractive surgery ectasia and possibly myopia.

Keywords: keratoconus treatment, non-surgical eye therapy, corneal remodeling, collagen regeneration, eyedrop solution, ophthalmology biotech, University of Auckland spin-out, Carissa Fonseca, Colin Green, TGF-B3, dexamethasone, corneal ectasia, vision impairment, medical research, clinical trials, Bridgewest Ventures, ectatic disorders, corneal cross-linking alternative.