Aviceda Therapeutics Appoints Dr. Emmett T. Cunningham Jr., Former Blackstone Director, to Board
- Dr. Emmett T. Cunningham Jr. joins Aviceda Therapeutics after serving as a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone Group.
- His experience at Blackstone and in clinical development will aid Aviceda in advancing its nanotechnology platform.
- Dr. Cunningham's industry expertise is expected to enhance Aviceda's growth and navigate drug development complexities.
Aviceda Therapeutics Welcomes Dr. Emmett T. Cunningham Jr. to Board of Directors
Aviceda Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech firm focused on innovative treatments for chronic inflammation, makes a significant move by appointing Dr. Emmett T. Cunningham Jr. to its Board of Directors. Dr. Cunningham, a distinguished physician-scientist and healthcare entrepreneur, brings over two decades of experience in clinical development and investment. His previous tenure as a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone Group, particularly following the firm's acquisition of Clarus Ventures, positions him as a key asset for Aviceda as it advances its proprietary nanotechnology platform, High Affinity Ligands of Siglecs (HALOS™). This platform aims to address chronic inflammatory diseases, with a specific focus on the upcoming pivotal trials for AVD-104, a treatment for geographic atrophy.
Dr. Cunningham's notable accomplishments in the biotech sector include his instrumental role in the FDA approval of ten therapeutics, including pioneering ophthalmic treatments such as Macugen®, the first FDA-approved VEGF-A inhibitor for age-related macular degeneration. His deep expertise in ophthalmology aligns seamlessly with Aviceda's strategic objectives. The company’s President and CEO, Jeffrey Nau, underscores the importance of Dr. Cunningham's unique blend of clinical and investment knowledge, asserting that it will be crucial in navigating the complexities of drug development and commercialization in the biopharmaceutical landscape.
As Aviceda Therapeutics seeks to make strides in immunomodulation, Dr. Cunningham's insights and experience are expected to enhance the company's growth trajectory. He expresses enthusiasm for contributing to Aviceda's innovative approaches, which aim to tackle significant challenges in ophthalmology and improve patient outcomes in underserved populations. This appointment arrives at a critical juncture for Aviceda, as it aims to leverage its scientific advancements to create meaningful impacts within the field of immunology and beyond.
In addition to his new role at Aviceda, Dr. Cunningham actively serves on the boards of several biopharmaceutical companies, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing healthcare innovation. His extensive network and experience in the industry position him well to guide Aviceda through the complexities of clinical development and regulatory pathways, potentially enhancing its ability to deliver transformative therapies to patients in need.
