Synakis Appoints Dr. Schalon Newton, DBA to Board of Directors

October 8, 2026

TORONTO — Synakis Corp., a biotechnology company developing innovative biomaterial-based therapies and medical technologies for retinal and ophthalmic diseases, today announced the appointment of Schalon Newton, DBA, as an independent member of its Board of Directors.

Dr. Newton is a global life sciences executive and board advisor with more than four decades of leadership experience across ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, and healthcare commercialization. He brings extensive expertise in corporate strategy, business development, licensing, capital formation, commercialization, and global expansion.

During his career, Dr. Newton has held senior leadership positions at Trefoil Therapeutics, Santen, and Allergan. Most recently, he served as Chief Business Officer of Trefoil Therapeutics, where he led corporate strategy, financing initiatives, commercial planning, market access, and business development. He previously served as Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Business Development at Santen and spent more than two decades at Allergan, including serving as President of Allergan Japan.

“We are delighted to welcome Schalon to the Synakis Board of Directors,” said Thierry Nivaggioli, PhD, CEO of Synakis. “His deep ophthalmology experience, strategic perspective, and proven expertise in financing, business development, and global commercialization will be invaluable as we advance our hydrogel platform and prepare Synakis for its next stage of growth.”

“Synakis has developed a highly differentiated technology platform with the potential to address important challenges in retinal disease and ophthalmic surgery,” said Dr. Newton. “The company’s innovative approach to biomaterials and ocular therapeutics aligns closely with areas of significant unmet clinical need. I am excited to join the Board at this important stage of development and look forward to supporting management as they advance the company’s technology to build long-term value for patients, physicians, investors, and other stakeholders.”

Dr. Newton has also served as an independent director and strategic advisor to early-stage biotechnology and medical-device companies. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Immune Boost Capital, the philanthropic venture subsidiary of the Arthritis National Research Foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Northridge, an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University.

About Synakis

Synakis Corporation is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative biomaterial-based solutions for ophthalmology. The company’s proprietary hydrogel platform is being advanced for applications in vitreoretinal surgery, retinal disease management, and ocular therapeutic delivery. By combining expertise in biomaterials science, ophthalmology, and translational medicine, Synakis seeks to develop next-generation technologies that improve clinical outcomes and preserve vision for patients affected by serious ocular diseases.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Synakis Corp.’s business strategy, product development activities, anticipated milestones, potential market opportunities, and future growth plans. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Synakis undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

For more information, contact: info@synakis.ca