Rafiq has pursued a highly successful career in the pharma industry globally, including senior positions in ophthalmology with Bayer and Novartis. Most recently as SVP and Global Head of Ophthalmology at Bayer, Rafiq grew the business of Eylea® from launch to over USD 2.5bn in 5 years, including its launch in 5 indications in 3 years.

Dennis has over 18 years of experience as a drug developer, holding positions of increasing responsibility at Millenium Pharmaceuticals, Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Stealth Biotherapeutics, and most recently Prothelia, where as CSO he led all preclinical and nonclinical development efforts. Dennis brings a wealth of experience across multiple therapeutic areas, encompassing Autoimmune Disease, Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Neonatology and Ophthalmology, and has significant technical expertise in diverse therapeutic modalities.

Dominic is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with many years experience in the sector and previously served as the finance lead at Autolus Therapeutics through the company’s IPO and NASDAQ listing. He led the MBO and subsequent trade sale of a division of Genzyme Therapeutics UK and prior to that held finance positions with Baxter Healthcare and Zeneca. Dominic is a Chartered Accountant and holds a B.Sc from the London School of Economics. 

Mustafa has significant industry experience in the discovery and development of cell and gene therapies gained at GSK and CGTC. He has previously led process and analytical development for AAV, CAR-T and PSC derived cell therapy products to support FIH and late-stage clinical studies. Mustafa serves as a board member of the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy working in pan-industry/academia working groups to overcome common barriers to translation and commercialisation of Advanced Therapies.

Harry has a biochemistry and biochemical engineering background from Imperial College and UCL. He has diverse experience working in cross-functional and founding teams to build early-stage biotech developing ATMP. He has previously led process development at LIfT Biosciences and later supported the company in fundraising, strategies & operations and orchestrating timely milestone deliveries. Harry completed his MBA in 2021.

Prong holds a Bioprocessing of New Medicines degree from UCL and an Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management degree from Imperial College London. She has several experiences working in start-ups, including a food biotechnology, an e-commerce platform, as well as Thailand’s first national clinical research organisation. 

Simon is the Helmut Ecker Endowed Professor of AMD and leads a research team studying the molecular mechanisms behind AMD. Simon has contributed to a number of advancements in our understanding of how the Complement System is implicated in disease.

Paul is a world-leading ophthalmologist and an acknowledged clinical and molecular expert in AMD, as well as an entrepreneur.

Richard leads research programmes in Manchester studying protein levels in a range of human diseases, including AMD, identifying novel disease pathways, markers and therapeutic targets.