Avista Therapeutics Welcomes Steven Altschuler as New Board Chairman

In an exciting announcement, Avista Therapeutics, a pioneering biotechnology firm focused on innovative gene therapies for rare ophthalmic conditions, has appointed Dr. Steven Altschuler as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. This strategic move is anticipated to enhance Avista's mission to develop cutting-edge solutions for individuals facing challenges with vision impairment and blindness.

Dr. Altschuler brings to the table over two decades of rich experience in driving advanced healthcare systems and innovative biotech enterprises. His remarkable track record includes leading significant initiatives in translating preclinical research into practical clinical applications, particularly in the field of retinal disease. Robert Lin, PhD, the CEO of Avista Therapeutics, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Altschuler's appointment, emphasizing that his leadership and innovation will be instrumental in achieving the company’s objectives.

Dr. Altschuler currently holds the role of Managing Director of Healthcare Ventures at Ziff Capital Partners where he is responsible for overseeing the development of transformative technologies within the biotech sector. His notable prior experience includes being the founding CEO of Corner Therapeutics and co-founding Spark Therapeutics, where he played a pivotal role in bringing LUXTURNA, the first FDA-approved retinal gene therapy, to market. Beyond this, he has held executive positions at renowned institutions such as the University of Miami Health System and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Expressing his excitement about joining Avista Therapeutics, Dr. Altschuler stated, "The Avista team has developed a potentially paradigm-shifting approach utilizing its scAAVengr platform to improve delivery vectors and broaden gene therapy accessibility beyond sub-retinal delivery." He acknowledged the recent promising preclinical results that underline the platform's ability to enhance the delivery of gene therapies to the retina, which is essential for patients suffering from retinal diseases. He further reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the talented team at Avista to expedite the development of transformative treatments that can substantially improve patients' lives.

Dr. Altschuler is also a member of the boards of multiple prominent organizations, including Lexeo Therapeutics, 89Bio, and the POLG Foundation. His educational background is equally impressive, with an MD and a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics from Case Western Reserve University. He has also completed a pediatric medicine residency at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology and nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania.

Avista Therapeutics stands at the forefront of gene therapy innovation, with a mission focused on creating novel gene therapies designed specifically for retinal diseases and rare ophthalmic conditions that significantly affect patients' quality of life. Their scAAVengr platform enables the engineering and validation of proprietary AAV vectors, utilizing minimally invasive techniques and optimized dosages to target specific cell types effectively. This systematic approach, combined with Avista's clinical expertise in ophthalmology, positions the company to bring exciting new therapies into clinical reality, addressing critical needs in ocular health.

As the company embarks on this new chapter under Dr. Altschuler's leadership, the future looks promising for patients in need of cutting-edge therapeutic options for retinal diseases. Avista Therapeutics is driven by a commitment to innovation and transforming gene therapy landscapes, ensuring that even rare eye conditions are met with effective, science-backed solutions.