SEATTLE, BOSTON and TOKYO—Edward Holland, MD, has been named chief medical advisor of Aurion Biotech, whose mission is to cure blindness by developing a differentiated platform of advanced therapies to treat ocular diseases. Dr. Holland will work closely with the Aurion Biotech executive team in advancing its lead candidate, cell therapy for the treatment of corneal endothelial disease, and in helping to expand the company’s platform of advanced therapies. “Dr. Holland has been an innovator in corneal surgery for his entire career, which is why he recognized very early on that corneal endothelial cell therapy is a game changer," said Greg Kunst, chief executive officer of Aurion Biotech.

"He has been one of Aurion Biotech’s strongest supporters and we are honored that he’ll deepen his engagement with us. It's nearly impossible to communicate the breadth, depth and impact of his prolific career. From his groundbreaking innovations in endothelial keratoplasty and limbal stem cell therapy, to the volume and quality of his publications, to his teaching and mentoring of ophthalmology residents, fellows and colleagues, Dr. Holland’s productivity and accomplishments are astonishing. We are gratified and excited that he will help drive innovation at Aurion Biotech.”
 
The company’s first candidate is a cell therapy for the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction, invented by leading ophthalmic surgeon and research scientist professor Shigeru Kinoshita and his distinguished colleagues at Kyoto Prefecture University of Medicine (KPUM) in Japan.
 
“I’m at a fortunate stage in my career, where I can focus my time and efforts on the projects that matter most to me,” said Dr. Holland. “The team at Aurion Biotech is deeply talented, and I’m delighted to continue the incredible work of professor Kinoshita and his colleagues at KPUM, for the benefit of millions of patients who suffer from corneal endothelial disease.”
 
In addition to his position at Aurion Biotech, Dr. Holland serves as the director of cornea services at Cincinnati Eye Institute (CEI) and professor of ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Holland has a national and international reputation for his knowledge and expertise in the field of medical and surgical corneal problems and for limbal stem cell transplantation.
 
His team at CEI/University of Cincinnati has the largest ocular surface transplant program in the world. His clinical interests include corneal transplantation, corneal endothelial cell therapy, ocular surface transplantation, ocular trauma and cataract surgery.