Welcome to RetinUp: AAO recap and interview with Cedric Francois

In the debut episode of RetinUp, Drs. Scott Krzywonos and John Kitchens introduce their vision for the show—unfiltered conversations between retina specialists that capture the hallway and after-hours discussions rarely heard on stage.They kick off by recapping highlights from the AAO Annual Meeting, including the first-ever full eye transplant, updates on Alcon’s Unity vitrectomy system, the LumiThera photobiomodulation platform, and the coming wave of AREDS 3 vitamins.The episode then turns to a one-on-one interview with Cedric Francois, founder and CEO of Apellis Pharmaceuticals, whose journey from surgeon to biotech innovator led to the creation of Syfovre, the first approved treatment for geographic atrophy. Francois shares how a chance encounter at the Macula Society set his career in motion, the origins of complement inhibition research, and what it means to lead a mission-driven biotech as both a scientist and physician.Key TopicsAAO 2024 highlights:The world’s first whole-eye transplant — and what it could mean for future nerve regeneration research.Alcon’s new Unity vitreoretinal platform — first major system since Constellation.The promise and controversy of photobiomodulation in dry AMD care.Previewing AREDS 3 — a reformulated vitamin blend with added B vitamins and lower zinc.Inside the Apellis Story:How a Belgian surgeon became a biotech CEO in Kentucky.The early experiments that led to complement inhibition research.The role of serendipity at the Macula Society—and how a single conversation led to Apellis’s first investment.Lessons learned from Potentia’s first molecule (POT-4/APL-1) to Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)The transition from Louisville to Boston’s biotech hub.Why physician-founders bring unique empathy—and accountability—to innovation.TakeawayFrom the first eye transplant to the first therapy for geographic atrophy, Episode 1 sets the tone for RetinUp— candid, curious, and clinically relevant. Drs. Krzywonos and Kitchens explore how preparation meets luck, and how visionaries like Cedric Francois turn bold ideas into breakthroughs for patients.CreditsHosts: Scott Krzywonos and John Kitchens, MDGuest: Cedric Francois, MD, PhD (Apellis Pharmaceuticals)Business Operations: Liz HoganProduction & Marketing: Laura Brown🎧 Listen to RetinUp wherever you get your podcasts, or visit RetinUp.com to subscribe to our newsletter.