Exonate appoints Dr Rafiq Hasan as Non-Executive Director
May 28, 2024 – Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical – Exonate, biotechnology, ophthalmology, retinal vascular diseases, small molecules
Appointment brings extensive experience in global pharma leadership and progressing ophthalmology drugs to market and further strengthens Board
28 May 2024 — Cambridgeshire, UK — Exonate, a biotechnology company developing novel, non-invasive, small-molecule therapeutics for patients with retinal vascular diseases, today announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of Dr Rafiq Hasan as non-executive director. Rafiq brings extensive expertise in ophthalmology, specifically within the diabetic eye disease sector, from his years in global pharmaceutical businesses. The appointment further strengthens the Board of Directors as the company continues to develop its lead candidate for diabetic eye disease, EXN407, toward phase 2b clinical trials.
Rafiq has a proven record of success in the global pharmaceutical industry and is currently CEO of Complement Therapeutics, which focuses on developing next-generation complement medicines. In addition to his role at Complement, Rafiq holds Board and advisory roles at Oxular and BioGeneration Ventures. Previous leadership roles within the ophthalmology sector have included senior vice president and global head of Ophthalmology at Bayer, where he oversaw the launch of Eylea for five indications within three years, and from launch to >$2.5bn in five years.
Exonate’s lead candidate EXN407, small molecule SRPK1 inhibitor, is in development as a world first topical therapy for diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. Exonate plans to progress EXN407 to a CLEAR-DM (Clinical Evaluation of a New Eyedrop for Alleviating Retinopathy in Diabetic Macular Oedema) phase 2b clinical trial in 2024.
Catherine Beech, CEO, Exonate, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Dr Hasan to Exonate’s Board as non-executive director. Rafiq’s years of expertise in diabetic eye disease, as well as treatment strategies across all stages of eye disease progression, will be invaluable to Exonate as we continue to develop our lead candidate through the clinic.”
Dr Rafiq Hasan, non-executive director, Exonate, commented: “Exonate’s lead candidate is extremely promising, with the potential to transform treatments options for diabetic eye disease by alleviating the need for repeated, invasive injections into the eye. I look forward to working with Catherine and the team to help guide the company’s continued success.”
About Exonate
Exonate is a biotechnology company developing novel, non-invasive, small-molecule therapeutics for patients with retinal vascular diseases which may lead to vision loss. The company’s pipeline is built around inhibition of pro-angiogenic VEGF by influencing splice patterns, for the treatment of conditions that have the formation of new blood vessels as a significant contributor, such as wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD) and Diabetic Eye Disease. Developed to penetrate to the back of the eye, reach the retina and prevent growth of blood vessels, Exonate’s treatments for retinal diseases are being developed as eye drops, eliminating the need for monthly injections into the eye, laser surgery or use of steroids, without sacrificing potency or permeability. There is a large unmet market opportunity for a topical therapy for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema that can treat the conditions earlier in the disease process. Exonate’s lead asset, EXN407, has the potential to be the first topical treatment for retinal vascular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. EXN407 has shown encouraging signs of efficacy, alongside meeting all endpoints, in a phase 1b/2a trial in diabetic patients with retinal eye disease (diabetic macular oedema). The company is led by a highly experienced management team, and has a strong foundation of scientific expertise, with cross-disciplinary experience in medicine and drug development. Visit: www.exonate.com
