F. Richard Christ, MSChE, MBA, Associate, Engineering and Science

Mr. Christ has over 15 years experience in the biomedical devices, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. His areas of expertise are biomaterials, drug and solution formulations, biomedical device design and evaluation, and project management. He is the inventor or co-inventor on more than 30 US and foreign patents. These patents cover several different classes of biomaterials (silicones, urethanes, acrylics), ophthalmic equipment, anti-microbial materials, and polymeric fluids used as surgical aids. He continues to be active as an inventor.

Mr. Christ holds MS degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biophysical Chemistry and an MBA all from the University of California. He is a member of the Society for Biomaterials and the American Society for Microbiology.

Mr. Christ pioneered the invention and led the development of foldable intraocular lenses during his twelve-year tenure as a biomedical engineer and project director at Allergan, Inc. Intraocular lenses are biomedical implants used to replace the natural crystalline lens after cataract surgery. The products that Mr. Christ developed are currently responsible for over $100 million in annual revenues. During this time he established himself as an internationally recognized speaker and author on topics in biomaterials and biomedical device design and evaluation.

Through his extensive technical education and experience, Mr. Christ has the capability to: (1) identify/synthesize biomaterials, (2) design and prototype implantable devices, (3] design and execute preclinical testing programs, (4) contribute to regulatory filings, and (5) support the transition of products/processes to manufacturing. In addition, Mr. Christ has the expertise and network to fully manage biomedical/biotechnology product development projects.

Mr. Christ has completed or is currently conducting the following technical projects: