Cambridge, MA– Aviceda Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering treatments for chronic inflammation, has announced the appointment of renowned ophthalmologist and biotech investor Dr. Emmett T. Cunningham, Jr. to its Board of Directors.
Dr. Cunningham, a seasoned physician-scientist and strategic advisor in the biopharma space, brings more than 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, drug development, and venture investing. Most recently, he served as Senior Managing Director at the Blackstone Group, following its acquisition of Clarus Ventures, where he led investments contributing to the approval of 10 therapeutics—including ophthalmic drugs such as Xiidra®, Rhopressa®, and Syfovre®.
“Emmett’s extensive background in science, medicine, and strategic investing, particularly within ophthalmology, adds significant depth to our Board at a time of meaningful momentum for Aviceda,” said Jeffrey Nau, Ph.D., M.M.S., CEO of Aviceda Therapeutics. “His insight will be invaluable as we advance AVD-104 into pivotal trials for geographic atrophy and continue building our immunology platform.”
Dr. Cunningham previously held leadership roles at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, where he contributed to the development of Macugen®, the first VEGF-A inhibitor for eye disease. Earlier in his career, he worked in clinical development and licensing at Pfizer.
In joining Aviceda, Dr. Cunningham praised the company’s innovative HALOS™ platform, which targets non-resolving inflammation—a key driver of several serious ophthalmic conditions. “Aviceda is advancing a scientifically compelling approach that directly addresses longstanding challenges in ophthalmology,” he said. “The potential of HALOS™, starting with AVD-104, extends well beyond current treatment paradigms.”
In addition to his new role, Dr. Cunningham serves on the boards of Eyconis, Nacuity Pharmaceuticals, InflammX Therapeutics, and others. He is also the founder of the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS), a key industry forum for eye care innovation.
An internationally recognized expert in ocular inflammatory and infectious disease, Dr. Cunningham holds an M.D. and M.P.H. from Johns Hopkins, a Ph.D. from UC San Diego, and has trained at top institutions including UCSF, Moorfields Eye Hospital, and Stanford. He currently teaches at California Pacific Medical Center and serves as a clinical professor at Stanford University.
