China-based Neurophth has raised $63 million in Series C financing with backing from its home base and across the Pacific. The cash infusion will be used to advance the company’s lead gene program for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a disease that causes sudden vision loss. 

The lead candidate, NR082, became the first adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy to get IND approval in China. It targets the ND4 gene mutation which causes LHON. The company this June announced the dosing of the first patient with the drug.

The Series C round was co-led by CMG-SDIC Capital and Sequoia Capital China. New investors joining the round included Sunshine Insurance and China Merchant Bank International Capital.