Eyetech: Dedicated Exclusively to Diseases of the Retina
Corporate Overview
- Eyetech Inc. is an independent employee-owned and operated biotechnology company dedicated exclusively to the treatment of sight-threatening diseases of the retina
- Eyetech was established in August 2008 by an experienced and passionate group of former (OSI) Eyetech employees
- Eyetech is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and operates virtually across the United States
- Our leadership team includes nationally recognized leaders in ophthalmology and in the biotechnology industry
We Understand Retina
- Eyetech is committed to partnering with the retina community to help physicians provide effective treatments to patients suffering from retinal disease
- The Eyetech Team offers a personalized approach when working with retina physicians. We strive to show our dedication to the retina community through our expertise in both science and clinical practice
- We focus on listening to the needs of the retina community and acting to make a difference for patients
We Are Looking to the Future of Retina
- Our five-year goal is to continue to explore new clinical and commercial opportunities in retina
- Eyetech Inc. has worldwide rights to an investigational extended release formulation of Macugen (microspheres)
- We are committed to independent investigator research in areas of interest to the retina community
Executive Leadership
Chairman
Mr. Atieh is Executive Chairman of our Company. He recently retired from OSI Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: OSIP) where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining OSI Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Atieh spent the majority of his career with Merck and Co., Inc. where he held various senior level positions over a 20-year period including Vice President-U.S. Human Health, Senior Vice President-Merck Medco Managed Care, Vice President-Public Affairs, Vice President-Government Relations, and Treasurer.
Mr. Atieh currently serves on the Board of Directors of ACE Limited where he chairs the Finance and Investment Committee and is a member of the Audit and Executive Committees. His previous Board experience was with OSI Pharmaceuticals where he served as a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee from 2003 to 2005.
Co-Founder
Mr. Bettis is President and Co-founder of our company since August 2008. Prior to Eyetech Inc. Mr. Bettis was the Executive Director of National Sales with (OSI) Eyetech Pharmaceuticals and Eyetech Pharmaceuticals. He has held various senior leadership positions throughout his 18 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including Regional Sales Manager at Sanofi-Synthelabo, Associate Director of Sales at Elan Pharmaceuticals and Managed Care at TAP Pharmaceuticals.
President QA/QC
Mr. Blary is Executive Vice President Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and Co-Founder of our company since August 2008. Prior to Eyetech Inc. Mr. Blary was the Senior Director of Quality Control at (OSI) Eyetech Pharmaceuticals and Eyetech Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Blary has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 30 years which included American Home Products (Whitehall Laboratories and Wyeth) where he was Head of Quality at two of their manufacturing sites.
Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection) is indicated for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
Important Safety Information
MACUGEN is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections or with known hypersensitivity to pegaptanib sodium or any other excipient in this product.
Safety or efficacy of MACUGEN beyond 2 years has not been demonstrated.
Intravitreal injections including those with MACUGEN have been associated with endophthalmitis. Proper aseptic injection technique—which includes use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent)—should always be utilized when administering MACUGEN. In addition, patients should be monitored during the week following the injection to permit early treatment, should an infection occur.
Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been seen within 30 minutes of injection with MACUGEN. Therefore, IOP as well as the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately.
Rare cases of anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, including angioedema, have been reported in postmarketing experience following the intravitreal administration procedure.
Serious adverse events related to the injection procedure occurring in <1% of intravitreal injections included endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and iatrogenic traumatic cataract.
Most frequently reported adverse events in patients treated for up to 2 years were anterior chamber inflammation, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, eye discharge, eye irritation, eye pain, hypertension, increased IOP, ocular discomfort, punctate keratitis, reduced visual acuity, visual disturbance, vitreous floaters, and vitreous opacities. These events occurred in approximately 10% to 40% of patients.