SEATTLE, BOSTON and TOKYO—Aurion Biotech, a clinical-stage biotech company that develops regenerative therapies, has won the prestigious Prix Galien Award for Best Startup in Biotech/Pharma. The Galien Foundation, the premier global institution dedicated to honoring innovators in life sciences, fosters, recognizes and rewards excellence in scientific innovation to improve the state of human health. “The Prix Galien is known throughout the world for its ability to shine a bright light on the most important, impactful innovations in medicine, biotechnology, health care and the life sciences,” said Greg Kunst, Aurion Biotech chief executive officer.

“Aurion Biotech has a transformational opportunity to positively impact the lives of millions of people suffering from corneal endothelial diseases, with our remarkable, sight-restoring cell therapy. On behalf of our patients, employees, scientists and physicians, we thank the Galien Awards Committee for this incredible achievement for our company.”
 
Aurion Biotech received the Best Start-Up in Biotech/Pharma award, one of six different award categories, and was chosen from more than 146 products from 129 nominee companies, spanning 14 therapeutic areas. The vetting process was rigorous: nominees are invited to apply for the Prix Galien award. Judges included leaders from venture capital, medical and academic institutions, and Fortune 1000 biomedical and pharmaceutical companies.
 
According to the Galien Foundation, the Prix Galien is regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in biopharmaceutical research. The Galien Foundation oversees and directs activities in the U.S. for the Prix Galien, an international awards program dedicated to progress through innovative medicines development, with chapters in 14 countries and the continent of Africa. The Prix Galien was created in 1970 by Roland Mehl in honor of Galien, the father of medical science and modern pharmacology. In the last 50 years, only a handful of ophthalmology products have been awarded the Prix Galien.
 
Previously, Bernard Poussot, the chair of Prix Galien start-up, digital health and incubators, accelerators and equity committee; director of Roche Holding; and former chairman and CEO at Wyeth, stated, "The Prix Galien Awards have become the most coveted prizes for those who dedicate their lives to the development of meaningful drugs and innovations. Members of the Awards Committees applaud the unwavering commitment of each nominee in their quest to provide a healthier future for the next generation."