Domain Associates-backed OcuNexus Therapeutics Making Significant Progress with Inflammasome Inhibition Program in Ophthalmic Disease with Key Addition to Board of Directors

– Advances Xiflam as a small molecule NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor targeting dry age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy 
– Appoints Mr. Rajiv Shukla as Independent Director

SAN DIEGO - OcuNexus Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing a first-in-class orally administered treatment for the dry form of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, todayannounced that it has strengthened its board of directors with the addition of Mr. Rajiv Shukla, who has deep experience in the investment and commercial aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.

“OcuNexus technology targets an upstream protein to inhibit the pathological activity of the innate immune system called the Inflammasome. Inflammasome inhibition has become a key area of research addressing inflammasome mediated chronic inflammation that we now know is active in a wide range of serious diseases,” said Dr. Brian Levy, Chief Executive Officer of OcuNexus. “At OcuNexus, we have identified and developed the most advanced mechanism to target the Inflammasome and currently we are the only company targeting the inflammasome to meet the unmet needs in the back of the eye diseases of dry age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Our intention is to enter Phase 2 clinical trials in Q1 2020 and as we enter our mid-stage trials, it is important to have someone of Rajiv’s capabilities join our board.”

Mr. Rajiv Shukla, Chairman and CEO of Nasdaq-listed Constellation Alpha Capital Corp, former Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of a Morgan Stanley Healthcare Fund, and Senior Director, Business Development at Pfizer, commented, “I am excited to join the board of OcuNexus at a pivotal time for the company. The combination of a first-in-class mechanism of action, small-molecule, oral formulation makes Xiflam the most exciting Phase 2 candidate for the $10+ billion unmet need in dry age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.”