OPT - Opthea Appoints Arshad M. Khanani MD MA FASRS as Chief Medical Advisor | Benzinga
MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opthea Limited ((ASX:OPT, NASDAQ:OPT, "Opthea")), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to treat highly prevalent and progressive retinal diseases, today announced the appointment of Arshad M. Khanani, MD, MA, FASRS, as Chief Medical Advisor. An internationally recognized retina specialist and clinical scientist, Dr. Khanani is a Managing Partner, Director of Clinical Research, and Director of Fellowship at Sierra Eye Associates, and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.
"We are delighted to have Dr. Khanani join Opthea as Chief Medical Advisor," said Frederic Guerard, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer for Opthea. "Dr. Khanani's extensive experience and informed perspective, from his work as the principal investigator for numerous clinical trials for retinal diseases, will be invaluable to Opthea. Sozinibercept has the potential to be the first new drug for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in more than 15 years to deliver superior visual gains when administered in combination with standard of care therapy. Dr Khanani's expert advice will help us progress this important medicine towards registration and launch."
"I am honored to assume the role of Opthea's Chief Medical Advisor, dedicated to advancing the development of sozinibercept, the pioneering treatment undergoing late-stage clinical trials aimed at enhancing vision outcomes for patients afflicted by wet AMD," remarked Dr. Khanani, Opthea's Chief Medical Advisor. "This juncture marks a pivotal moment for Opthea and the sozinibercept program, with the recent completion of enrollment for the COAST study, expectations to complete enrollment in the ShORe study in calendar Q2 2024 and anticipated topline data disclosure from both pivotal trials by mid-year calendar 2025. With my extensive involvement in guiding numerous recently approved treatment modalities, I am steadfast in my commitment to supporting Opthea in promptly concluding the pivotal trials and ushering sozinibercept towards enhancing vision outcomes for patients worldwide."
Arshad M. Khanani, MD, MA, FASRS
Dr. Khanani is dedicated to advancing innovative treatment options for patients suffering from retinal diseases. Over a decade ago, he established the clinical research department at Sierra Eye Associates, which has since evolved into one of the foremost clinical research sites nationwide. With a wealth of experience, he has assumed the role of principal investigator for more than 120 clinical trials, consistently ranking as a top enroller in the nation across multiple Phase 1-3 trials. Notably, Dr. Khanani recently chaired the Phase 3 GATHER2 steering committee for IZERVAY™, playing a pivotal role in IZERVAY's approval for geographic atrophy. His contributions extend to over 100 authored or ...