Svar Life Science

December 8, 2025

INTERVIEW: Meet the 2025 Svar Complement Excellence Award Recipients

As we close out an exciting year in complement science, we are proud to recognize Professor Simon Clark and Dr. John Lee, honored at the International Complement Workshop in Brisbane with the Svar Complement Excellence Award.

Prof. Clark has transformed our understanding of age-related macular degeneration by revealing how complement regulation shapes retinal health and creating resources that accelerate therapeutic development. Dr. Lee's research is opening new avenues in neurodegeneration, exploring complement involvement in ALS and Parkinson's disease and advancing strategies for targeted treatments.

Explore their stories and learn how their discoveries are shaping the future of medicine. Download the full interviews below.

December 8, 2025

INTERVIEW: Meet the 2025 Svar Complement Excellence Award Recipients

As we close out an exciting year in complement science, we are proud to recognize Professor Simon Clark and Dr. John Lee, honored at the International Complement Workshop in Brisbane with the Svar Complement Excellence Award.

Prof. Clark has transformed our understanding of age-related macular degeneration by revealing how complement regulation shapes retinal health and creating resources that accelerate therapeutic development. Dr. Lee's research is opening new avenues in neurodegeneration, exploring complement involvement in ALS and Parkinson's disease and advancing strategies for targeted treatments.

Explore their stories and learn how their discoveries are shaping the future of medicine. Download the full interviews below.

 

 

Prof. Simon Clark: 

- Decoding Blindness

Prof. Simon Clark’s research transformed our understanding of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by revealing how factor H (FH) and its truncated form FHL-1 regulate complement activity in the retina. His discovery that genetic variants disrupt this protective mechanism opened new therapeutic avenues, while his work on factor H-related proteins identified additional targets for intervention. Today, he is pioneering retinal organoid models, leading the world’s largest eye tissue repository, and co-founder of a company aimed at developing complement-based therapies for inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
Read the full interview

 

 

Dr. John Lee: 

- Reimagining Neuroprotection

Dr. John Lee is uncovering how complement pathways influence diseases such as ALS and Parkinson’s, bringing new possibilities for treatment. His research targets receptors like C5aR1 and C3aR and explores innovative strategies including peptide drugs, antisense oligonucleotides, and precision delivery systems that fine-tune complement activity rather than shut it down completely. By combining patient feedback with AI-driven insights, Dr. Lee is shaping approaches that aim to slow neuroinflammation and improve outcomes for patients facing devastating conditions.
Read the full interview

Looking Back and Ahead

As we celebrate the achievements of Professor Simon Clark and Dr. John Lee, their research highlights how far complement science has advanced and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. From uncovering mechanisms that drive vision loss to exploring complement’s role in neurodegeneration, their work is shaping new approaches to treatment and inspiring innovation across the field.

Looking toward 2026, we remain committed to supporting discoveries that translate science into patient care. Our Resource Center offers the tools to keep you informed and connected, from technical documentation and educational videos to the latest scientific publications. Visit today for the knowledge you need to advance your research.