Belgian biotech company Amakem has begun a proof-of-concept study with its lead product, the rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor AMA0076, in glaucoma and ocular hypertension, after raising €18 million last year in a series A financing. The product is designed to avoid the risk of systemic and local side-effects such as hyperaemia that have caused problems for other products in this class, and uses the company's Localized Drug Action platform.

The Boston-based company, SpringLeaf Therapeutics, has come out of stealth mode and reported that it has closed a $15 million Series B round of venture capital to help bring its first drug-device combo for self administration into the clinic, with GlaxoSmithKline's corporate venturing unit, SR One, leading the round.

Brief profiles of these recently formed companies: 2C Tech Corp., Atherolysis Medical, Axena Technologies and Prevention Pharmaceuticals.