SEATTLE — Aurion Biotech, a commercial-stage regenerative cell therapy company focused on restoring vision, has appointed Marjan Farid, M.D., a prominent cornea specialist at the University of California–Irvine, as chair of the company’s medical advisory board.
Farid is Director of Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery and a clinical professor at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California–Irvine. She is also chair of the Cornea Clinical Committee of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is widely recognized for her work in corneal surgery, ocular surface disease, and ophthalmic education.
“Aurion is on the cusp of transforming corneal care and restoring vision for millions of patients worldwide. I’m honored to be part of this incredible endeavor to bring a potential cure for blindness caused by corneal endothelial disease,” said Farid.
Company executives said her clinical expertise and leadership will help guide Aurion as it advances its pipeline of regenerative therapies aimed at treating corneal diseases and preventing blindness.
“Aurion welcomes a deeply respected clinical leader whose unique experience and leadership will bring critical insights to guide the company through the next stage of development and beyond,” said Edward J. Holland, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Aurion Biotech. “Dr. Farid has spent her career advancing patient care, driving innovation, and informing strategic decision-making. Her expertise will complement Aurion’s MAB as we grow our pipeline of transformative regenerative medicines.”
Farid previously established the UCI Severe Ocular Surface Disease Program, the first Center of Excellence supported by the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration. The program focuses on advanced treatment for complex ocular surface conditions while advancing research and training in the field.
Her surgical expertise includes refractive and cataract procedures, complex intraocular lens surgery, and corneal and ocular surface transplantation. She has also played a prominent role in ophthalmology education and research, with numerous publications in the field. Farid serves as editor of Steinert’s Cataract Surgery and sole editor of In-Office Corneal Procedures.
“I’ve dedicated my career to advancing patient care and addressing some of the most complex unmet needs in ophthalmology,” said Farid. “Aurion is on the cusp of transforming corneal care in the United States and restoring vision for millions of patients worldwide. I’m honored to be part of this incredible endeavor to bring a potential cure for blindness caused by corneal endothelial disease.”
“Dr. Farid’s patient-centered body of work aligns with our mission of developing innovative regenerative therapies with the potential to transform patients’ lives. Her commitment to patients mirrors our own—that the most transformative medicine begins and ends with the people it serves,” said Eris Jordan, O.D., Chief Development Officer of Aurion Biotech. “Dr. Farid will be an incredible asset to our company and to the future of cornea care.”
