Nanoscope announces formation of Vision Advisory Committee

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Biotechnology company Nanoscope Therapeutics recently announced the formation of Vision Advisory Committee (VAC).¹ VAC is “a group of renowned experts in retina treatment and commercialization,” a press release said.

“This is more than just a committee – it represents a clear declaration of our unwavering commitment to the patients we serve and the mission in which we believe,” said Sulagna Bhattacharya, co-founder and CEO of Nanoscope Therapeutics. “At Nanoscope, we’re building the future of retinal care with our eyes wide open, guided by those who truly understand the lives of the patients we are committed to helping.

Chaired by SriniVas Sadda, MD, the A. Ray Irvine, Jr., MD, Endowed Chair in Clinical Ophthalmology and Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine and the Doheney Eye Institute, the VAC will be a strategic team informing Nanoscope’s scientific, clinical, and community-facing efforts.

“As retina specialists, we face a desperate need to change the conversation about blindness with our patients – from one of inevitability to one of possibility,” Sadda said. “I’m honored to be part of a team that believes the status quo is not set in stone, and that restoration of vision is not a dream – it’s a goal within reach.”

The VAC’s mission is: “to elevate the care of patients, foster authentic engagement with physicians, and help chart the path to delivering a transformative therapy first to people living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Stargardt disease (SD).”¹

Other members of the VAC include:

• Allen Ho, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University and Director of Retina Research, Wills Eye Hospital. Chief Medical Advisor for Nanoscope Therapeutics.
• Peter Kaiser, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Chaney Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology Research, Cole Eye Institute.
• Christine Kay, MD, Assistant Professor, University of Florida and Director of Clinical Research and Retinal Genetics, Vitreoretinal Associates in Gainesville.
• Arshad Khanani, MD, MA, Clinical Professor, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Director of Clinical Research, Sierra Eye Associates.
• Vinit Mahajan, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Stanford University and Vice Chair for Research and Director of the Molecular Surgery Program, Byers Eye Institute.
• Jordi Monés, MD, PhD, Director, Institut de la Màcula, Barcelona.
• Mark Pennesi, MD, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University and Director, Inherited Retinal Degenerations Division, Retina Foundation.

Nanoscope’s focus as a company is the development and commercialization of novel gene-agnostic therapies, such as MCO-010, for the treatment of patients living with severe vision loss from retinal degenerative diseases. MCO-010, the first optogenetic investigational therapy to demonstrate potential vision restoration in patients with severe vision loss in clinical trials, uses Nanoscope’s proprietary multi-characteristic opsin (MCO).

“What sets MCO-010 apart is not only its scientific advances, but its real-world accessibility,” Bhattacharya said in the release. “It’s designed as a single, in-office injection – without the need for genetic testing, surgery, or ongoing maintenance.

Launching the VAC reflects Nanoscope’s focus and belief on bringing meaningful innovation to patients begins with partnership and continues with action.

Reference:

1. Nanoscope Therapeutics. Nanoscope Therapeutics Propels Patient-Centered Innovation in Inherited Retinal Diseases with New Visionary Advisory Committee. Prnewswire.com. Published June 26, 2025. Accessed June 26, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nanoscope-therapeutics-propels-patient-centered-innovation-in-inherited-retinal-diseases-with-new-visionary-advisory-committee-302491502.html