Renowned Ophthalmology Leaders to Join CellViva Board of Directors

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CellViva, a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of an innovative anti-VEGF therapy for pterygium—an unmet medical need in ophthalmology, is proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished leaders in ophthalmology to its Board of Directors: Drs. Adrienne Graves, Kathryn Najafi-Tagol, and Richard Lindstrom.

“Their combined knowledge and experience in ophthalmology will be pivotal as we advance our mission to develop a groundbreaking treatment for pterygium.”

Meet the New Board Members

Dr. Adrienne Graves: Former Board Chair of Iveric Bio, Dr. Graves brings decades of experience in clinical development and strategic leadership within the ophthalmology sector. Her insights will be invaluable as CellViva advances its pipeline and prepares for clinical trials.

Dr. Kathryn Najafi-Tagol: Founder of the Eye Institute of Marin, co-inventor of Avenova, a treatment for dry eye associated with blepharitis, and former Chief Medical Officer of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Najafi brings extensive clinical and pharmaceutical development experience. Her expertise will be instrumental in addressing significant unmet needs in ophthalmology.

Dr. Richard Lindstrom: A world-renowned cataract and refractive surgeon and founder of Minnesota Eye Consultants, Dr. Lindstrom offers a wealth of knowledge in surgical innovations and industry expertise. His guidance will be critical in steering CellViva’s clinical strategy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Graves, Najafi and Lindstrom to our Board of Directors,” said Randal Pham, Board Chair, President and CEO of CellViva. “Their combined knowledge and experience in ophthalmology will be pivotal as we advance our mission to develop a groundbreaking treatment for pterygium.”

Driving Innovation

This announcement marks a significant milestone for CellViva as the company continues to expand its leadership in developing novel therapies for eye diseases. With the expertise of its newly appointed Board members, CellViva is poised to make impactful advancements in ophthalmic treatments.

About Pterygium

Pterygium, commonly referred to as “surfer’s eye,” is a benign growth of the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. This condition, often associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, and dust, can cause symptoms such as irritation, redness, and vision impairment. In severe cases, it can lead to scarring and significant visual obstruction. Currently, there are limited non-surgical treatment options available, making it an important unmet medical need. CellViva’s focus on developing an innovative product to provide patients with an effective therapy, addressing a critical gap in ophthalmic care.

About CellViva

CellViva is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for ophthalmic and dermatologic conditions.