Dr. Andreas Wallnöfer Named to Optigo Biotherapeutics Board of Directors
Optigo Biotherapeutics, a company developing novel treatments for retinal diseases, has appointed Dr. Andreas Wallnöfer to its Board of Directors as it advances its lead program toward IND-enabling studies213.
Dr. Wallnöfer brings over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D and biotech investment, having served previously as a Partner at Jeito Capital and General Partner at BioMedPartners2.
He played a key role in the development and launch of Vabysmo®, a leading ophthalmology therapy, during his tenure at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, and was instrumental in the integration of Roche/Genentech2.
Wallnöfer was an initial lead investor in EyeBio, acquired by Merck in 2024 for $3 billion2.
Dr. Wallnöfer highlighted Optigo's Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-anchoring platform for its potential to extend drug half-life and improve treatment options for retinal diseases2.
The appointment is part of Optigo's strategy to accelerate development of its lead asset, a long-acting anti-VEGF therapy, toward first-in-human clinical trials for conditions like neovascular age-related macular degeneration25.
Optigo’s HA-binding platform is positioned as a significant innovation in retinal drug design, aiming to address the burden of frequent intravitreal injections5.
Leadership at Optigo stated that Dr. Wallnöfer’s experience and track record are critical as the company prepares for clinical development and aims for strong governance and disciplined execution2.
Sources:
1. https://ground.news/article/renowned-pharma-and-biotech-development-leader-dr-andreas-wallnofer-is-named-to-optigo-biotherapeutics-board-of-directors-as-the-company-ad
2. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/04/3180433/0/en/Renowned-Pharma-and-Biotech-Development-Leader-Dr-Andreas-Walln%C3%B6fer-is-named-to-Optigo-Biotherapeutics-Board-of-Directors-as-the-company-advances-to-IND-enabling-studies.html
3. https://financialpost.com/globe-newswire/renowned-pharma-and-biotech-development-leader-dr-andreas-wallnofer-is-named-to-optigo-biotherapeutics-board-of-directors-as-the-company-advances-to-ind-enabling-studies