AURA · Aura Biosciences, Inc.

Aura Biosciences announced a CEO transition, appointing Natalie Holles as Chief Executive Officer and President effective April 30, 2026. Ms. Holles brings over 25 years of executive experience in rare disease commercialization and late-stage development, having previously served as CEO of Third Harmonic Bio and Audentes Therapeutics. She succeeds founder Dr. Elisabet de los Pinos, who will remain as a consultant through October 2026 with accelerated equity vesting. The leadership change comes as the company's Phase 3 CoMpass trial for belzupacap sarotalocan (bel-sar) in early choroidal melanoma nears enrollment completion, with 86 patients enrolled and over 25 scheduled for screening. The company reiterated guidance for enrollment completion by mid-2026 and topline data in the second half of 2027. Additionally, Aura terminated its at-the-market (ATM) equity program after raising $6.7 million in gross proceeds. The transition positions the company for potential registration and commercialization of bel-sar, which has the potential to be the first frontline vision-preserving therapy for early choroidal melanoma.