Jul 20, 2021

Iveric bio announced the appointment of Christopher Simms to Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective August 2, 2021. Mr. Simms joins Iveric Bio from Novartis, where he managed commercial operations for the U.S. Ophthalmics Franchise, launching Beovu (brolucizumab injection) for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Before Novartis, he served as marketing lead for the Genentech ophthalmology business which included creating a new brand positioning and launching a new campaign for Lucentis (ranibizumab injection). “In this newly created position, Chris’s responsibilities include developing and implementing the company’s commercial strategy and establishing our commercial infrastructure as we complete our GATHER2 clinical trial, prepare for a potential new drug application (NDA) and begin to prepare for a potential launch of Zimura (avacincaptad pegol) for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to AMD,” Glenn P. Sblendorio, Chief Executive Officer of Iveric Bio, said in a company news release. “We are excited about a potential launch of Zimura and our strategy to develop multiple, complementary assets to establish an AMD franchise. We believe Chris’s deep understanding of the retinal space and highly accomplished commercial experience with launching retinal products of blockbuster potential will serve us well.” “It is exciting to see the advances that Iveric Bio has made,” Mr. Simms said in the news release. “I believe the company is well positioned as it begins to pivot to a commercial organization that brings treatments to patients suffering from devastating sight threatening diseases. I am thrilled to join the management team at Iveric Bio and look forward to building and leading a commercial organization that has a positive impact on patients and the development of our products.”