Opthea Names New Clinical and Regulatory Leadership Members

Opthea announced the appointment of Julie Clark, MD, MS, as Senior Vice President (SVP), Clinical Development; and Fang Li, PhD, RAC, as SVP, Regulatory Affairs, effective February 1, 2024. Dr. Clark and Dr. Li will report to Opthea Chief Executive Officer Frederic Guerard, PharmD, MS, and will join the Opthea Executive Management Team.

With more than 15 years of experience in ophthalmology medical and clinical development, Dr. Clark brings expertise in both early and late-stage programs, regulatory submissions, and approvals. Her contributions include support for the approval and launches of retinal therapies such as Eylea, Jetrea, and Beovu. In Dr. Clark’s most recent position as Vice President Clinical Development at Iveric bio, she oversaw the development program leading to the August 2023 FDA approval of Izervay for the treatment of geographic atrophy. Dr. Clark previously served as Chief Medical Officer at Adverum Biotechnologies.

Dr. Li brings over 30 years of expertise in drug development and more than 20 years in regulatory affairs experience. Her experience spans various domains including small molecules, biologics, gene therapy, over-the-counter products, in-vitro diagnostic products, and medical devices, with a specific focus on ophthalmology. She has held key roles at prominent ophthalmology companies such as Novartis, Alcon, and Bausch + Lomb.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome two ophthalmology experts, Dr. Clark and Dr. Li, to the company as we prepare for the next stage in our growth and work towards advancing the development of sozinibercept (OPT-302),” Dr. Guerard said in a company news release. “Their past contributions to the development and registration of ophthalmology therapies such as Izervay, Beovu, and Eylea, will be instrumental to the potential success of our lead program investigating sozinibercept, currently in two phase 3 pivotal trials.”