Qlaris Bio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class therapies for glaucoma, has appointed Parisa Zamiri, M.D., Ph.D., to its board of directors. The appointment comes as Qlaris continues to advance its lead development program, QLS-111, through late-stage clinical trials as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of glaucoma.
Zamiri is a physician-scientist and ophthalmologist by training, with clinical experience in retina, immunology, and inflammation, along with extensive expertise in biopharmaceutical drug discovery and development across multiple therapeutic areas. She most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of Opthea and previously held Chief Medical Officer roles at Complement Therapeutics and Graybug Vision, where she oversaw clinical, regulatory, medical affairs, and biostatistics. Prior to that, she served as Vice President, Global Head of Clinical Development and Therapeutic Area Head for Ophthalmology at Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Zamiri received her medical degree from King’s College Hospital, University of London, and completed her ophthalmology residency at the North Thames Rotation, affiliated with Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. She earned her Ph.D. in ocular immunology at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated institute.
QLS-111 is a novel vasodilatory topical ATP-sensitive potassium channel modulator designed to reduce intraocular pressure by lowering episcleral venous pressure. Originally discovered at Mayo Clinic, QLS-111 was developed by Qlaris Bio into a preservative-free eye-drop formulation. In Phase 2 clinical trials, QLS-111 demonstrated sustained intraocular pressure reduction with a favorable safety profile.
KEY QUOTES:
“Dr. Zamiri brings a deep ophthalmic drug development expertise to the company. As we advance QLS-111 through late-stage development, her extensive experience translating novel mechanisms into approvable therapies will be a tremendous asset to our board.”
Ron Hunt, Chairman of the Board, Qlaris Bio
“Qlaris is pursuing a truly differentiated approach to glaucoma by targeting episcleral venous pressure, a component of intraocular pressure that has gone unaddressed by currently approved treatments. I’m looking forward to supporting the team as they advance QLS-111 through the next stage of clinical development and toward patients who need new treatment options.”
Parisa Zamiri, M.D., Ph.D., Board Member, Qlaris Bio
