ORANGE COUNTY, Calif.—TearClear, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing preservative-free topical ophthalmic drugs, said Wednesday it has taken “another big step forward” with the appointment of Srini Venkatesh, PhD, as chief scientific and innovation officer. He will be responsible for setting the scientific and clinical strategy for TearClear, as well as overseeing day-to-day research and development operations, according to the announcement. “Srini is a welcome addition to the TearClear executive team, bringing tremendous experience in ophthalmic drug development and expertise in pharmaceutical formulations,” chief executive officer Kevin Hershfield said in the announcement.

“This appointment reflects the next stage of our company’s advancement in bringing to market a family of truly differentiating specialty ophthalmic pharmaceuticals that address unmet patient needs.”

Venkatesh joins TearClear from GOJO Industries, where he served as chief science and technology officer. He also had been a vice president of R&D at Bausch + Lomb. During his time at Bausch + Lomb, Venkatesh enabled the launch of more than $300 million of new products and developed a pipeline that led to industry leading eyecare solutions.

“TearClear has the opportunity to provide a significant advancement to the $20-plus billion global ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry as it addresses the unmet need for delivery of preservative-free drugs,” Venkatesh said in the announcement. “I am excited to join the company as it enters the next phase of development and look forward to improving eye health for our patients.”

TearClear is an “early-stage, disruptive eye health company” focused on developing preservative-free topical ophthalmic drugs delivered from existing preserved, multi-dose systems, the announcement noted. The company aims to address the global market of ophthamologic drugs for glaucoma, dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis and other indications.