5 February 2020 - - Dr. Amir Shojaei has been appointed to US-based biopharmaceutical company iVeena Delivery Systems, Inc.'s board of directors, the company said.

Shojaei was the vice president and Therapeutic Area Head in Ophthalmology at Shire/Takeda. He oversaw all aspects of clinical stage ophthalmic pipeline assets.

Most recently, Amir's team brought Xiidra (lifitegrast) from development to US NDA filing and approval. Amir's active engagement in the clinical development around design and implementation of OPUS-3, as well as the analysis of totality of evidence, were pivotal in the negotiations with the FDA leading to a US approval in July 2016 and follow on registration filings and approvals in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Switzerland, and Gulf countries.

During his tenure at the Ophthalmics TA, Shire successfully acquired/licensed four innovative ophthalmology assets contributing to the development and growth of the franchise, aimed at improving vision-related quality of life. He helped identify strategic and viable opportunities, looking to secure and expand Shire's global footprint and overall commitment to the eye care community.

Amir has built a career in life sciences with over 23 years of drug development experience, focused on the clinical development, registration and commercialisation of biopharmaceuticals and biologics in multiple therapeutic areas.

iVeena is a privately held, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative ophthalmology products in cataract and cornea.

The company is structured to develop product candidates through clinical trials and then out-license to pharmaceutical marketing partners. iVeena is conducting a pilot clinical trial in keratoconus with an eye drop that strengthens corneal collagen crosslinking with results expected in the first half of 2020.

The company is also preparing to enter the clinic for progressive myopia in 2020.

iVeena has also completed a pilot clinical trial with a dexamethasone releasing implant that is placed in the capsule bag during cataract surgery. The product is intended for patients at high risk of developing cystoid macular edema.