Re-Vana Therapeutics announced today that it appointed Michael Nash as chief commercial officer and David Shima as VP of R&D.
Belfast, Northern Ireland-based Re-Vana’s two new executives are set to help the company develop its sustained-release therapies for ophthalmic indications, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and glaucoma, according to a news release.
Re-Vana’s platform includes EyeLief and OcuLief, which have the potential to produce at least six months of sustained delivery of large molecule biologics. The company has also secured the rights to a novel nanoparticle, polymer-based drug delivery technology for ophthalmic applications.
“I am delighted to welcome both Mike and David to the Re-Vana team,” Re-Vana Therapeutics CEO Michael O’Rourke said in the release. “Their significant U.S. and European ophthalmic drug development and commercialization experience, particularly in the areas of sustained-release technologies as well as biologics and small molecules, will be a major strategic asset as we advance our product portfolio.”
Nash, a veteran of more than 35 years in early-stage, venture-backed drug delivery, medical device and molecular diagnostic companies, previously served as EVP at Oculex Pharmaceuticals, which Re-Vana said is the first company to develop a biodegradable drug delivery system.
“It is a very exciting time to join Re-Vana,” Nash said. “Sustained release ocular technology has been a strong passion of mine for many years. I am delighted to join the world-class Re-Vana team consisting of employees, scientific advisors and investors.”
Shima will serve as a visiting scholar to Queens University Belfast in addition to his new role at Re-Vana. He previously worked as a consultant to ocular-focused biopharmaceutical companies and held executive roles at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Jerini Ophthalmic, Roche and Thrombogenics.
“It is a remarkable opportunity to be able to join Re-Vana to advance the sustained delivery of biologics and small molecules,” Shima said. “I look forward to working with an incredibly dynamic and experienced team to achieve our major strategic goals within ophthalmology.”
