SEATTLE—Visus Therapeutics, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that develops ophthalmic therapies, announced the appointment of ophthalmology and industry expert David Guyer, MD, as the chairman of the board after serving as an advisor since the company’s inception. Additionally, Life sciences veteran Ted Danse has been named as the head of business development. “I’m pleased to have industry experts David and Ted as part of the Visus Therapeutics team, each bringing unique expertise and invaluable contributions to advance our robust pipeline of novel ophthalmic therapies,” said Ben Bergo, co-founder and chief executive officer at Visus Therapeutics.

“We continue to attract world-renowned and highly sought-after talent who are motivated by the opportunity to dramatically improve the lives of patients who suffer from sight-threatening conditions,” Bergo said.

Serving as the chairman of Visus Therapeutics’ board of directors, Dr. Guyer brings more than 30 years of ophthalmic drug development experience as chief executive officer, venture capitalist and academician. Currently a venture partner at SV Health Investors, he has led both public and private biotech companies, several of which he founded or co-founded, and was a professor and chairman of the department of ophthalmology at New York University School of Medicine.

Dr. Guyer developed and commercialized the first anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drug for macular degeneration as the co-founder and chief executive officer at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals. He has taken two companies public, managed numerous mergers and acquisitions, and served on approximately 20 company boards.

As head of business development, Danse will play a leading role in identifying and executing strategic partnerships and collaborations. A seasoned life sciences executive, Danse has held executive leadership roles at multiple start-ups as well as large corporate entities in life sciences, with a focus on biopharmaceuticals, recombinant drug delivery, implantable medical devices and durable medical equipment.

Previously, Danse was chief executive officer of Neurotech, a company now in late-stage trials for the treatment of macular ttelangiectasia. Prior to that, he was responsible for taking ISTA Pharmaceuticals public in 2000. He also held various senior leadership positions at Allergan, including president of the Asia-Pacific region where he was responsible for establishing high-growth, profitable business operations in Asia.