Neurotech Pharmaceuticals Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Dr. Peter J. McDonnell to Board of Directors
Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company pioneering transformative therapies for chronic eye diseases, today announced the appointment of Peter J. McDonnell, M.D., a world-renowned ophthalmologist, researcher, and academic leader, to its Board of Directors. The addition of Dr. McDonnell represents a significant step in bolstering the company’s scientific and clinical expertise as it continues to advance its innovative pipeline in ophthalmology.
A Distinguished Career in Ophthalmology
Dr. McDonnell currently serves as the William Holland Wilmer Professor of Ophthalmology and the Director of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a role he has held since 2003. Under his leadership, the Wilmer Eye Institute has grown into the largest ophthalmology department in the United States, recognized globally for excellence in patient care, research, and education.
As a board-certified ophthalmologist and leading specialist in corneal disease and surgery, Dr. McDonnell has made transformative contributions to the field of eye care. He is recognized internationally as an authority on corneal transplantation, laser refractive surgery, and the treatment of dry eye disease, areas of critical importance to patients and the broader ophthalmology community. His groundbreaking work has helped shape standards of care and has paved the way for new treatment modalities that continue to benefit patients worldwide.
Over the course of his career, Dr. McDonnell has authored more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications and holds 10 U.S. patents related to eye disease therapies and surgical innovations. His contributions to scientific literature and intellectual property development have positioned him as both a thought leader and an innovator in ophthalmology.
Leadership Roles and Professional Influence
Dr. McDonnell’s influence extends far beyond clinical practice and research. He has served in leadership roles across many professional ophthalmology and medical societies, helping to set agendas for research, education, and patient advocacy on a global scale.
Since 2004, he has been the Chief Medical Editor of Ophthalmology Times, a leading industry publication, where he has guided editorial content and shared insights with clinicians and researchers across the field. In addition, he has served on the editorial boards of numerous ophthalmology journals, further amplifying his voice as a trusted authority in vision science.
His leadership extends into advocacy and organizational governance. Dr. McDonnell is the Immediate Past President and director of the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) and the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), organizations dedicated to advancing federal funding for vision research and fostering public awareness of eye health. Furthermore, he currently serves as the Vice President of the Pan-American Ophthalmological Association, the second-largest professional organization of ophthalmologists in the world, which represents practitioners and researchers across the Americas.
In addition to his academic and non-profit roles, Dr. McDonnell brings direct industry experience. He has served on the boards of Allergan and Aerie Pharmaceuticals, two companies that have been instrumental in developing innovative therapies for ophthalmic diseases. This blend of academic, advocacy, and corporate leadership makes him uniquely qualified to contribute to Neurotech’s strategic vision and pipeline advancement.
A Strategic Addition to Neurotech’s Board
The appointment of Dr. McDonnell underscores Neurotech’s commitment to scientific excellence and clinical relevance in its mission to develop therapies for chronic eye diseases. With chronic and degenerative conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal degenerative disorders affecting millions of patients worldwide, there remains a pressing need for innovative and durable treatment approaches. Neurotech is at the forefront of tackling these challenges through its proprietary technologies and ongoing research programs.
Jim Mazzo, Executive Chairman of Neurotech, welcomed Dr. McDonnell with enthusiasm, noting the importance of his appointment at this stage of the company’s growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. McDonnell to Neurotech’s Board of Directors,” said Mazzo. “His exceptional leadership in ophthalmology and dedication to advancing vision science make him an ideal addition to our team. Peter’s guidance will be pivotal as we continue to advance innovative solutions for chronic eye diseases. His appointment reflects our commitment to scientific excellence and strategic growth.”
Mazzo emphasized that Neurotech is entering a period of accelerated innovation, with several programs poised for significant milestones in the near future. Having a global authority in ophthalmology on the board is expected to strengthen not only the company’s scientific and clinical strategy but also its ability to build relationships across academic, regulatory, and industry networks.
Dr. McDonnell’s Perspective
For his part, Dr. McDonnell expressed enthusiasm about joining Neurotech during a period of dynamic progress in ophthalmic innovation.
“I am honored to join Neurotech’s Board at such an exciting time in the company’s evolution,” said Dr. McDonnell. “Neurotech’s commitment to scientific excellence closely aligns with my lifelong dedication to improving patient outcomes. I look forward to working with the team as it advances meaningful treatments in ophthalmic care.”
Dr. McDonnell highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, clinical practice, and the biotechnology industry in accelerating solutions for patients with unmet medical needs. His participation on Neurotech’s board represents his ongoing commitment to bridging scientific discovery with practical therapeutic development.
Neurotech’s Mission and the Road Ahead
Neurotech Pharmaceuticals has built a reputation as a pioneering biotech company in ophthalmology, with a focus on transformative, long-lasting therapies for chronic eye diseases. The company’s programs are designed to address significant unmet needs in retinal diseases and other vision-threatening conditions that lack effective treatment options.
Globally, visual impairment and blindness affect hundreds of millions of people, with chronic diseases of the eye contributing to the majority of these cases. As populations age and the prevalence of diabetes increases, the burden of eye disease continues to rise. Neurotech is developing innovative approaches that aim not only to preserve vision but also to reduce the treatment burden for patients and caregivers.
The addition of Dr. McDonnell to the Board of Directors signals Neurotech’s strategy of combining cutting-edge science with world-class leadership. By integrating the perspectives of leaders in clinical ophthalmology, academic research, and the biopharmaceutical industry, Neurotech aims to accelerate the translation of discoveries into therapies that can transform patient care.
The appointment of Dr. Peter J. McDonnell, M.D., to Neurotech Pharmaceuticals’ Board of Directors represents more than a routine leadership addition—it is a testament to the company’s ambition to elevate its science, broaden its influence, and ensure that its work remains closely aligned with patient needs and clinical realities.
With Dr. McDonnell’s deep expertise in ophthalmology, his extensive leadership in academic and professional organizations, and his direct experience with pharmaceutical innovation, Neurotech is well-positioned to strengthen its pipeline and advance toward its goal of delivering breakthrough therapies for chronic eye diseases.
As the company prepares for its next chapter, the combination of visionary science, patient-centered mission, and distinguished leadership reflects a strong foundation for growth and impact in the years ahead.
