Clearside Biomedical (NSDQ:CLSD) today named Dr. Richard Beckman as chief medical officer. Beckman is an ophthalmologist with 13 years of clinical practice under his belt, as well as 20 years of corporate executive and consultancy experience.
Prior to joining Clearside, Beckman managed a pharmaceutical and medical device industry consulting firm. He has also served as CMO and general manager of the ocular and novel drug delivery systems business unit at Unilife Corporation. Beckman has also worked with a slew of pharmaceutical companies, including Ophthotech Pharmaceuticals, Danube Pharmaceuticals, Becton-Dickinson, Alcon Laboratories, and Allergan.
“In addition to being a skilled physician, Rick is a seasoned corporate leader with a strong track record of delivering medical, scientific and strategic guidance to both large and emerging ophthalmic companies,” Clearside’s president & CEO Daniel White said in prepared remarks. “I have great confidence that he will play a key role in the continued advancement of our clinical development programs. Richard will provide a strong liaison with both industry and clinicians and first and foremost ensure our clinical programs are designed to meet the needs of both clinicians and patients.”
Last month, the Alpharetta, Ga.-based company priced its $36 million initial public offering, floating 4 million shares at $9 apiece and including a 30-day underwriters option for 600,000 more shares.
The company said it plans to use the IPO proceeds to fund a pivotal Phase III trial of its suspension formulation of corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide, Zuprata, for the treatment of macular edema associated with non-infectious uveitis. Clearside will also launch a Phase III clinical program of suprachoroidal Zuprata with Eylea, an intravitreal anti-VEGF agent, to treat macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion.
The company is also planning to use the cash to complete a Phase I/II study of Zuprata as a monotherapy and Eylea as a treatment for diabetic macular edema, as well as launch and complete a Phase I/II trial of axitinib for wet age-related macular degeneration.
