Latest news with #GregKunst
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Inner Circle acknowledges, Greg Kunst as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence
SEATTLE, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Greg Kunst is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions in the Biotech Industry. Greg Kunst stands at the forefront of the biotech industry, with over two decades of experience driving innovation and impactful advancements in patient care and global health. Currently serving as the president, chief executive officer, and board member at Aurion Biotech since 2021, Mr. Kunst has solidified his reputation as a leader in the field. In addition to his role at Aurion Biotech, Mr. Kunst serves on the board of Pr3vent INC since 2023 and acts as a strategic advisor at Oculogica since 2019. His strategic insights and visionary leadership have played a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of these organizations. Mr. Kunst's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in economics from Brigham Young University in 2002 and a Master of Business Administration in general management and strategy from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management in 2006. He has also completed prestigious programs such as the Novartis Advance Program in Strategy and Communications at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in 2014 and the M2 Leadership Program on the role of the leader at Novartis in 2013. Throughout his career, Mr. Kunst has achieved numerous accomplishments, including raising $132 million for Aurion Biotech over the last three years. He played a pivotal role in expanding Glaukos Corporation's revenue from zero to $300 million and expanding its presence to more than 20 countries. Currently, Mr. Kunst is focused on developing a new cell therapy to combat corneal blindness worldwide, demonstrating his commitment to driving impactful advancements in patient care. With affiliations in esteemed organizations such as Ophthalmic World Leaders and the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery, Mr. Kunst reflects a dedication to both professional excellence and personal fulfillment. His track record of leadership and innovation has earned him honors and awards, further solidifying his position as a visionary leader in the biotech industry. Looking ahead, Mr. Kunst is poised for continued growth and success, driving impactful advancements in patient care and global health within the biotech industry. His unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence continues to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Inner Circle Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alcon buys majority stake in IPO-seeking cell therapy startup Aurion
This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. The leading eye-care company Alcon on Wednesday said it has acquired a majority stake in Aurion Biotech, capping months of legal wrangling over the future of the cell therapy developer. As part of the takeover, Aurion's board appointed Chief Scientific Officer Arnaud Lacoste as the company's new CEO, immediately replacing Greg Kunst. Aurion will continue as a separate company, 'with full support from Alcon,' according to Wednesday's press release. Aurion is focused on diseases that affect the endothelium, the layer of cells on the posterior surface of the cornea. Using cell therapy, the company aims to reverse vision loss and offer patients an easier recovery than treatments that involve corneal endothelial transplant procedures. Aurion has an approved product in Japan and is advancing another, AURN001, in Phase 1/2 research in the U.S. The company had generated interest among investors, raising $120 million in a 2022 financing led by Deerfield Management that included participation from Alcon. As Aurion looked for further funding, Alcon expressed interest in buying the company, but its offer was rejected, according to court documents. Aurion then made plans to go public. Alcon, however, was already a top shareholder and sued to block Aurion's IPO, losing in court in January. Deerfield also sued Alcon, saying Alcon was trying to thwart the IPO so it could buy Aurion itself at a discount. Independent analyses placed a multibillion-dollar value on Aurion even before it launched its first product in Japan and completed a clinical trial in the U.S., Deerfield said. For more than two years, Alcon 'has waged an unrelenting campaign' to take over Aurion 'at a highly discounted valuation,' Deerfield alleged. 'Alcon has sought to cut off Aurion's ability to obtain financing from sources other than Alcon.' As of February, Alcon held about 40.5% of Aurion and Deerfield held about 34%, according to Deerfield's lawsuit. Alcon's statement on Wednesday made no mention of the planned IPO. An Aurion spokesperson declined to comment to BioPharma Dive. Officials at Alcon and Deerfield didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. In Alcon's release, new Aurion CEO Lacoste said his company looks forward to 'leveraging Alcon's global resources and commercial expertise' to move AURN001 into Phase 3 development later this year. The Phase 1/2 study included 97 patients with corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction. Recommended Reading Biotech IPOs are the industry's lifeblood. Track how they're performing.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aurion Biotech Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025
Ophthalmology Cell Therapy Innovator Included with Other Leading Companies SEATTLE & CAMBRIDGE, Mass & TOKYO, March 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aurion Biotech, Inc. (Aurion Biotech), whose mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies, today announced that the Company is proud to have been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. Aurion Biotech was named Number 4 in the Medicines, Therapeutics, and Pharmaceuticals category. "We are delighted to have earned this recognition," said Greg Kunst, CEO of Aurion Biotech. "Aurion's success is a result of the passion, dedication, focus on patients and inspiring contributions of our employees and our physicians." Aurion Biotech has had a busy, productive 18 months. Key achievements included: Enrolled and successfully dosed 97 subjects in its North American Phase 1/2 CLARA trial Sought and received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Regenerative Medicines Advanced Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Successfully dosed 25 subjects in the Company's Apaneca clinical trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a cryo-preserved formulation of its drug product candidate Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies hallmark franchise is one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company's editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. "Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future," said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. "This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward." The full list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25. Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation. About Aurion Biotech, Inc. Aurion Biotech's mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies. It received the prestigious Prix Galien award for best start-up in biotech in 2022. Aurion Biotech is advancing AURN001, an investigational single administration, allogeneic cell therapy to treat corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction. Aurion Biotech developed and has launched the first commercially available corneal endothelial cell therapy in Japan. To learn more, visit ABOUT FAST COMPANY Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Judith McGarry (corporate communications) Michele Gray (ophthalmology media) 917-449-9250michele@ Beth Keshishian (biotech & business media) 917-912-7195beth@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
18-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Aurion Biotech Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025
SEATTLE & CAMBRIDGE, Mass & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 18, 2025-- Aurion Biotech, Inc. (Aurion Biotech), whose mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies, today announced that the Company is proud to have been named to Fast Company 's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. Aurion Biotech was named Number 4 in the Medicines, Therapeutics, and Pharmaceuticals category. 'We are delighted to have earned this recognition,' said Greg Kunst, CEO of Aurion Biotech. 'Aurion's success is a result of the passion, dedication, focus on patients and inspiring contributions of our employees and our physicians.' Aurion Biotech has had a busy, productive 18 months. Key achievements included: Enrolled and successfully dosed 97 subjects in its North American Phase 1/2 CLARA trial Sought and received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Regenerative Medicines Advanced Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Successfully dosed 25 subjects in the Company's Apaneca clinical trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a cryo-preserved formulation of its drug product candidate Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies hallmark franchise is one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company' s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. 'Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,' said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. 'This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.' The full list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25. Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation. About Aurion Biotech, Inc. Aurion Biotech's mission is to restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies. It received the prestigious Prix Galien award for best start-up in biotech in 2022. Aurion Biotech is advancing AURN001, an investigational single administration, allogeneic cell therapy to treat corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction. Aurion Biotech developed and has launched the first commercially available corneal endothelial cell therapy in Japan. To learn more, visit ABOUT FAST COMPANY (corporate communications) 415-971-2900 [email protected] Gray (ophthalmology media) 917-449-9250 [email protected] Keshishian (biotech & business media) 917-912-7195 [email protected] INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY FDA HEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL OPTICAL SOURCE: Aurion Biotech, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/18/2025 09:21 AM/DISC: 03/18/2025 09:22 AM
