Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Appoints Dr. Carlos Quezada-Ruiz As Chief Medical Officer To Lead Gildeuretinol Phase 3 Program For Stargardt Disease

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments to preserve vision in people affected by retinal diseases, announced that Carlos Quezada-Ruiz, M.D., F.A.S.R.S., a respected ophthalmologist, retina specialist, and drug development leader, has joined the company as Chief Medical Officer. He will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer and serve as part of the company’s executive leadership team. He takes over the role from Seemi Khan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., who has been appointed Chief Development and Strategy Officer.

Michel Dahan, President and CEO of Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, said that Dr. Quezada-Ruiz brings exceptional experience in advancing innovative ophthalmology treatments and has a strong track record of guiding transformative therapies to patients. Dahan emphasized that Dr. Quezada-Ruiz’s clinical expertise, strategic mindset, and commitment to evidence-based innovation will be central to advancing the company’s lead program, gildeuretinol, a breakthrough-designated investigational therapy for Stargardt disease.

With this leadership expansion, Alkeus is strengthening its position as it prepares for a global Phase 3 study of gildeuretinol for Stargardt disease. The upcoming trial builds on the company’s TEASE clinical program and supports the potential of gildeuretinol to become a convenient, oral standard-of-care treatment, if approved.

Dr. Quezada-Ruiz shared that the lack of effective treatments for Stargardt disease remains a major unmet need. As a practicing retina specialist, he noted that he has witnessed the emotional and physical toll of progressive vision loss on patients and families. He expressed enthusiasm about joining Alkeus during this crucial stage, highlighting the encouraging clinical results seen so far. He looks forward to advancing gildeuretinol, which is designed to target a core cause of ABCA4-related retinal degeneration and aims to help preserve retinal structure and stabilize visual function.

Before joining Alkeus, Dr. Quezada-Ruiz served as Senior Vice President and Ophthalmology Therapeutic Area Head at 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT), where he oversaw both early- and late-stage gene therapy programs for inherited and neovascular retinal diseases. He also led clinical trial design and global regulatory planning for the company’s lead therapeutic candidate. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Genentech/Roche, contributing to the global development and regulatory approvals of therapies for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). 

In addition to his industry work, he has authored numerous publications, lectures widely, serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology in Mexico City, and chairs the Scientific Committee of the Mexican Retina Society. Philip J. Ferrone, M.D., of Vitreoretinal Consultants of New York, commented that Alkeus has made strong progress in addressing the underlying mechanisms of Stargardt disease. He said the appointment of Dr. Quezada-Ruiz reflects the company’s long-term commitment to delivering meaningful solutions for the retina community.

Dr. Seemi Khan, who served as Chief Medical Officer since early 2024, has been named Chief Development and Strategy Officer. She will continue to work closely with the executive team as Alkeus moves forward. According to Dahan, Dr. Khan has played a crucial role over the past two years in shaping the company’s clinical and regulatory plans and positioning gildeuretinol for Phase 3 advancement. Her continued leadership will help support the next stage of Alkeus’s growth and mission to preserve vision for people affected by retinal diseases.