Glenn Sblendorio has been appointed as chairman of the board of Dallas-based Nanoscope Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases.

Splendorio’s more than 30 years of experience have been marked by extensive executive leadership in the ophthalmic industry, and he will support Nanoscope in reaching its strategic vision, the company said.

“We’re elated to welcome Glenn Sblendorio as our chairman of the board. His wealth of experience in building and scaling progressive companies, coupled with his thorough knowledge of successfully bringing retinal treatments to market, will undoubtedly strengthen Nanoscope’s position as a leader in the ophthalmic industry,” Nanoscope CEO and co-founder Sulagna Bhattacharya said in a statement. “We look forward to leveraging his expertise as we navigate the next phases of our development.”

In his new role as chairman, Sblendorio will be pivotal in ensuring the effectiveness of the board of directors in implementing Nanoscope’s organizational strategy and direction, the company said. Sblendorio’s “comprehensive understanding” of finance and business development will assist in guiding the company through its mission to bring hope for renewed sight to millions of people affected by retinal degenerative diseases for which no cures currently exist.

“I’m honored to join Nanoscope as chairman of the board. The company’s commitment to advancing novel treatments for retinal degenerative diseases aligns with my passion for making a meaningful impact in the retina space,” Sblendorio said in a statement. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the board and leadership team to drive innovation and contribute to the realization of our shared mission.”

Experienced biotech leader

Most recently, Sblendorio held a number of key leadership roles at IVERIC bio Inc., an Astellas Company (formerly Ophthotech Corp.), including CEO, president, and director. He also served as EVP, COO, CFO and treasurer.

Prior to IVERIC, he served as president, CFO, and director at The Medicines Co. and as EVP and CFO at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals.

Earlier in his career, Sblendorio was a managing director at MPM Capital Advisors LLC, and held various senior financial positions at Hoffman-La Roche.

Nanoscope said Sblendorio is joining the company at a crucial time, with his appointment reflecting the company’s commitment to optimizing the board’s impact by assembling a group of diverse and accomplished advisers to drive the organization’s innovation and success.

Nanoscope Therapeutics is developing gene-agnostic, sight-restoring optogenetic therapies for the millions of patients blinded by inherited retinal diseases, for which no cure exists.

Its lead asset, MCO-010, recently reported topline results from the RESTORE Phase 2b multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled clinical trial in the U.S. for retinitis pigmentosa.

Nanoscope also recently completed the Phase 2 STARLIGHT trial of MCO-010 therapy in Stargardt patients. MCO-010 has received FDA fast-track designations and FDA orphan drug designations for both retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt.

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