Neuroptika is a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel regenerative therapies for ophthlamic diseases
ABOUT NEUROPTIKA
Neuroptika is a clinical stage biotechnology company formed in November 2018 as a spin out of Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, a privately held pharmaceutical company based in Osaka, Japan. Neuroptika is developing NRO-1, a novel therapeutic that protects and regenerates corneal nerves. NRO-1 has generated compelling data demonstrating accelerated nerve regeneration which led to the recovery of functional nerves and corneal sensitivity in animal studies.
A successful Phase 1 SAD/MAD clinical study is complete and we plan to initiate a Phase 2 clinical study for dry eye disease in the second half of 2019. While most dry eye treatments are focused on treating signs and symptoms, NRO-1 has the potential to become the first disease modifying regenerative treatment. NRO-1’s benefit is also being studied in other indications, including post-LASIK care, glaucoma and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Our mission is to improve patients’ lives by developing novel regenerative therapies for ophthalmic diseases.
NEUROPTIKA TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Min, MA, JD
Chiho Fukiage, PhD
Dr. Chiho Fukiage is the Co-Founder & President of Neuroptika, Inc. and has been part of Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for over 30 years. At Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., she holds the position of Chief of the Innovation Laboratory for Drug Discovery and has conducted research in ophthalmology throughout her successful career.
Dr. Fukiage received her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Osaka University, is a licensed pharmacist, and was previously a visiting Research Scholar and Visiting Assistant Professor at Oregon Health & Science University. In her career, she has published over 40 papers and is co-inventor on multiple patents.
Lambert C Kuk
Board Director
Mr. Lambert C Kuk has served as the Director of Life Science & Healthcare Investment Division of KB Investment, Inc. since 2018. Currently, Mr. Kuk manages 21 biotech investments globally. Prior to joining KB Investment, Inc. Mr. Kuk was Senior Manager at Samsung Medical Center where he held a leading role in the adoption of a new technology into the hospital.
Previously, he held a senior corporate development role at iQVIA (former IMS Health) where he was responsible for developing and executing strategic growth plans by overseeing investment opportunities in the East Asia region. Mr. Kuk holds a M.S. in Healthcare Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.A. from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Jiwoong Chun, MS
Board Director
Mr. Jiwoong Chun is the Biotech/Healthcare Investment Director at KTB Network, one of the largest venture capital firms in Korea since 1981 and the first cross boarder Korean venture capital firm. He has significant expertise in pharmaceutical drug development, company operations, and investments in the healthcare industry. Mr. Chun has invested in over 30 biotech companies in the United States, Korea, Main Land China, Taiwan, UK, and Canada and has served on the Board of Directors for several biotech companies.
Jiwoong is a life science venture capitalist and the Biotechnology and Healthcare Team Leader at KTB Network. Previously, Mr. Chun was a Global Study Manager at Daiichi Sankyo where he managed over 10 clinical studies spanning all stages of development and multiple indications. Prior to Daiichi Sankyo, Mr. Chun was a Senior Research Scientist at CKD Pharmaceutical Incorporation. Mr. Chun is a licensed pharmacist, received his M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Seoul National University, College of Pharmacy and his B.S. from Kyungsung University, College of Pharmacy where he received the Chancellor Award.
Mitsuyoshi Azuma, PhD
Board Director
Dr. Mitsuyoshi Azuma has held a number of roles of increasing leadership at Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. throughout his nearly 40-year career, most recently as a member of the Board of Directors. As Head of the Research Laboratory, Dr. Azuma led the research organization to discover mechanisms for eye diseases and helped develop many therapies. Dr. Azuma is a licensed pharmacist and received his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Osaka University and his B.A. from Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
In addition, Dr. Azuma is an adjunct Professor at the Oregon Health & Science University and has published over 100 papers and is co-inventor of multiple patents. Dr. Azuma is also an external board member at Semathera Inc.