Qlaris Bio Appoints Fred Guerard as President and CEO
Qlaris Bio has appointed Fred Guerard, Pharm.D., as president and chief executive officer, effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Guerard will also join the company’s board of directors.
Dr. Guerard succeeds Thurein Htoo, who helped establish Qlaris and guided the company through early-stage development milestones. Mr. Htoo will remain with the company through April 1, 2026.
The leadership change comes as Qlaris prepares to advance its lead candidate, QLS-111, into Phase 3 clinical development.
“Fred brings more than two decades of global ophthalmology leadership experience across biotechnology and major pharmaceutical organizations,” said Ron Hunt, chairman of the Qlaris board of directors. “His proven ability to build high-performing teams and drive clinical and commercial execution will be invaluable as we enter this pivotal stage of growth. We are deeply grateful to Thurein for his leadership and dedication since the company’s founding.”
Before joining Qlaris, Dr. Guerard served as CEO of Opthea, where he helped strengthen the company’s strategic and financial position as it advanced its pivotal clinical program. Previously, he was president and CEO of Graybug Vision, leading the company through a Series C financing and its initial public offering.
“I am honored to join Qlaris at this pivotal moment,” Mr. Guerard said in a statement. “QLS-111 represents a differentiated and potentially transformative approach to lowering intraocular pressure by targeting the episcleral vein through its novel vasodilatory mechanism. I look forward to working with Qlaris’ talented team to advance our Phase 3 program and prepare the organization for commercialization.”
About QLS-111
QLS-111 is a novel vasodilatory topical ATP-sensitive potassium channel modulator designed to reduce IOP by lowering episcleral venous pressure. Originally discovered at Mayo Clinic, the therapy was developed by Qlaris Bio into a preservative-free eye-drop formulation.
In phase 2 clinical trials known as Osprey and Apteryx, QLS-111 demonstrated sustained reductions in intraocular pressure along with a favorable safety profile. The company is now preparing the therapy for late-stage clinical development.