(PRESS RELEASE) SEATTLE — Visus Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing innovative ophthalmic therapies to improve vision for people around the world, announced the appointment of ophthalmology and industry expert David Guyer, M.D. as the chairman of the Board after serving as an advisor since the company’s inception, and life sciences veteran Ted Danse as the head of business development.
“I’m pleased to have industry experts David and Ted as part of the Visus Therapeutics team, each bringing unique expertise and invaluable contributions to advance our robust pipeline of novel ophthalmic therapies,” said Ben Bergo, co-founder and chief executive officer at Visus Therapeutics. “We continue to attract world-renowned and highly sought-after talent who are motivated by the opportunity to dramatically improve the lives of patients who suffer from sight-threatening conditions.”
Serving as the chairman of Visus Therapeutics’ Board of Directors, Dr. Guyer brings more than 30 years of ophthalmic drug development experience as chief executive officer, venture capitalist and academician. Currently a venture partner at SV Health Investors, he has led both public and private biotech companies, several of which he founded or co-founded, and was a professor and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Guyer developed and commercialized the first anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drug for macular degeneration as the co-founder and chief executive officer at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals. He has taken two companies public, managed numerous mergers and acquisitions, and served on approximately 20 company boards.
“I am honored to be appointed as chairman of Visus Therapeutics’ Board of Directors after serving as an advisor since the company was founded,” said Dr. David Guyer. “BRIMOCHOL has the potential to be a meaningful advancement for the category and patients worldwide who are demanding alternative options to what is currently available today. The Visus executive team has decades of highly-differentiated experience in the eye care and pharmaceuticals industries, and I look forward to continue working closely with the board and the entire management team to advance and expand the company’s pipeline.”
As head of business development, Mr. Danse will play a leading role in identifying and executing strategic partnerships and collaborations. A seasoned life sciences executive, Mr. Danse has held executive leadership roles at multiple start-ups as well as large corporate entities in life sciences, with a focus on biopharmaceuticals, recombinant drug delivery, implantable medical devices and durable medical equipment. Previously, Mr. Danse was chief executive officer of Neurotech, a company now in late-stage trials for the treatment of macular telangiectasia. Prior to that, he was responsible for taking ISTA Pharmaceuticals public in 2000. He also held various senior leadership positions at Allergan, including president of the Asia-Pacific Region where he was responsible for establishing high-growth, profitable business operations in Asia.
“I’m excited to join Visus Therapeutics at a pivotal time for the company’s lead investigational candidate for the treatment of presbyopia, BRIMOCHOL,” said Ted Danse. “It is a privilege to join the team to help accelerate growth with strategic partnerships and advance our robust pipeline of ophthalmic therapies that have the potential to transform patient care.”