Ryan Bleeks is the CEO of Tarrytown, NY-based Visiox Pharma, a privately funded biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of ophthalmic therapeutic candidates to address highly prevalent diseases in need of new treatment options. Visiox is on track to submit two new drug applications to the FDA this year for PDP-716, for the treatment of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma, and SDN-037, for the treatment of post-surgical inflammation and pain from cataract extraction. Mr. Bleeks previously held positions at RVL Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharma, Bausch + Lomb, Nicox and ISTA Pharmaceuticals (now Bausch + Lomb).

Ophthalmology Management: Visiox’s lead candidate is PDP-716. How does it work, and what is the significance of this treatment?

Ryan Bleeks: PDP-716, a novel once-daily (qd) brimonidine formulation for ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma, utilizes our patented TearAct fine resin delivery technology, which provides slow, consistent and sustained release for IOP control throughout the day. Brimonidine is the number one adjunct therapy to a prostaglandin. The TearAct technology provides the 1-2 punch with the patient’s qd prostaglandin along with a qd brimonidine enhancement. PDP-716 offers a convenient solution for patients because it only needs to be administered once per day and can be done from the convenience of their home and will not interrupt their daily activities. PDP-716 addresses an unmet need with qd dosing, unlike brimonidine that is dosed multiple times per day, which increases the risk of non-compliance, and if a dose is missed the diurnal curve fluctuates and can cause optic nerve damage.

OM: Can you discuss your second asset, SDN-037, how it works and the significance of this treatment?

RB: SDN-037 is a twice daily topical difluprednate corticosteroid for the treatment of post-surgical inflammation and pain from cataract extraction surgery utilizing our patented tight junction modulation (TJM) micellar platform. The TJM platform helps to enhance the penetration of the difluprednate and helps carry the difluprednate through the cornea to the tissues in need of inflammation control. Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated efficacy with twice daily dosing. The Phase 3 trials showed that 68% of patients in the SDN-037 arm had an anterior chamber cell grade of 0 vs only 33% of patients in the placebo group. SDN-037 provides a convenient solution for patients because it requires less frequent dosing and it is a true solution (no shaking the bottle or thick, sticky medication). Along with PDP-716, SDN-037 will have patent life until October 2036.

OM: You recently joined Visiox in May 2022 as CEO. Can you talk about how your experience in the ophthalmic space prepared you for your current role?

RB: I have worked in the eye-care space for 17 years and have built relationships across the ophthalmology and optometry sectors within the United States, which I feel will be critical to amplifying Visiox in eye care. My experience across multiple therapeutic areas and roles will prepare me for the work we have ahead of us as we accelerate towards commercialization.

But I think what has prepared me the most for my current role is having worked for some really talented people and mentors, like Bob Dempsey (AsclepiX Therapeutics), Vince Anido (former ISTA and Aerie Pharmaceuticals), Jason Menzo (Foundation for Fighting Blindness), Tom Mitro (former ISTA and Aerie Pharmaceuticals) and Jerry St. Peter (Xequel Bio). They’re still my mentors and have provided guidance for me in a lot of different business decisions that I have made throughout my career.

Some of the lessons I learned from them include: Hiring an executive team of trusted advisors that provide their perspective on situations before making big decisions, creating an environment of trust and respect and one where the people on the team feel valued, setting realistic expectations up front, and to follow through on all commitments. OM