Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder
Mr. Burr brings more than 15 years of strategic and technical leadership in ocular drug delivery and medical device development from early research through clinical-stage development. As Chief Operating Officer at iVeena Delivery Systems he is responsible for driving company-wide operational execution, aligning cross-functional teams, and advancing scientific programs from early development into clinical and regulatory readiness.
Michael co-founded iVeena as a graduate student with his then graduate school advisor, ophthalmologist Dr. Bala Ambati. He led translationally focused research and development programs in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and post-cataract inflammation. As the organization grew with his leadership, he assumed increasing responsibility for product strategy, pipeline development, and program execution. In 2015 he was promoted to Vice President of Product Development, overseeing product strategy and development for iVeena’s portfolio of investigational therapies.
Throughout his tenure, Michael has played a pivotal role in key company milestones, including strategic financing support, regulatory engagement, and execution of IND-enabling activities. Under his leadership as head of product development Glaukos Corporation licensed IVMED-80 for the treatment of keratoconus. The transaction had a $10 million up front licensing fee, $90 million in commercial & developmental milestones, and royalties upon sales.
Michael holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah and an M.B.A. from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.