Character Biosciences Expands Team and Funding

Character Biosciences has announced four key leadership appointments alongside an expansion of its Series B financing. These developments are expected to accelerate the company's efforts in developing novel therapies for degenerative eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy (GA).

Strengthening Leadership to Support Clinical Advancement

Character Biosciences has expanded its executive team with the appointment of four senior leaders:

• Robert Kim, MD, MBA – Chief Medical Officer

• Daniel Elgort, PhD – Chief Data & Analytics Officer

• Josh Buddle – Head of Clinical Network and Longitudinal Research

• Jessamyn Wead – Head of People

These appointments are intended to support the company’s growing pipeline and clinical infrastructure as it moves its first therapeutic programs closer to clinical trials.

Series B Financing Expansion to Support Pipeline Development

Earlier this year, Character Biosciences secured $93 million in Series B financing to advance its therapeutic candidates targeting vision-threatening diseases. The round was co-led by new investors aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb and Jefferson Life Sciences. Existing investors Innovation Endeavors, Catalio Capital Management, S32, and KdT Ventures also contributed.

The most recent expansion of this Series B round includes new backing from Sanofi Ventures, along with additional support from both new and existing investors.

Pipeline Focus: CTX114 and CTX203

According to the company, proceeds from the Series B financing will be used to accelerate the development of two lead programs:

• CTX203: A lipid modulator aimed at preventing progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

• CTX114: A complement inhibitor developed for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), a severe form of AMD.

Leadership Perspective on Strategic Growth

Cheng Zhang, CEO of Character Biosciences, commented: "These appointments and the additional funding mark an important moment for Character Bio as we advance our first therapeutic programs toward the clinic. The expanded leadership team and strong support from our investors strengthen our ability to deliver on our mission of transforming outcomes for patients with vision-threatening diseases."

Incoming Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Kim also shared his perspective: "I am thrilled to join Character at such a pivotal time. Dry AMD is the next frontier in ophthalmology, and Character’s multidisciplinary approach has the potential to deliver treatments that truly address the unmet needs of patients."