Ois Podcast

OIS podcast host Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, caught up with OcuTerra Therapeutics CEO and CMO, Kerrie Brady and David Tanzer, MD, to discuss OcuTerra’s novel small molecule integrin inhibitor. Preclinical data impressed David enough to resign from his CMO role at Novartis to help develop OTT166, a topical agent that meets a clear unmet need for patients with moderately severe to severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR).The standard of care for patients with DR is to simply watch and wait. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are an option when complications occur, but those introduce significant patient burden.Phase I data for OTT166 looks good, and patients can administer the drops at home.With $35 million in Series B financing secured, OcuTerra will move into Phase II clinical trials early next year, with the goal of dosing 200 patients for the study.Listen to the podcast today to hear Kerrie and David take a deep dive into the MOA of the OTT166 compound and the objectives for the Phase II study. You’ll

Even the most groundbreaking device won’t go far if doctors can’t easily implement that device into their practice.MacuLogix co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Gregory Jackson, Ph.D., developed a novel instrument, AdaptDx, that could detect early-stage AMD by measuring dark adaptation speed. But it took a major design overhaul and the addition of an artificial intelligence-based testing agent named Theia for eye care doctors incorporate that device into their practices.The current version, AdaptDx Pro, has performed over a million diagnostic tests to date. The company’s success stems from its customer-service focus and the commitment to deliver a product that’s “faster, better, smarter, cheaper,” says CEO Bill McPhee.With host Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, McPhee chronicles the evolution of AdaptDx, which shrank from a 45-pound desktop instrument to a one-pound headset with a virtual assistant. They also discuss how he helped MacuLogix overcome its commercialization challenges and the lessons he learned along

Adrienne Graves, PhD, former CEO of Santen, opened this panel discussion by reiterating a sentiment expressed by surgeons, innovators, and investors: we’re in the middle of a glaucoma renaissance. The release of new devices, instruments, and pharmaceuticals has led to improvements in surgical procedures and other treatment options that promise to improve the lives of glaucoma patients.For this week’s discussion, originally recorded for the OIS Glaucoma Innovation Showcase, Dr. Graves corralled four ophthalmology leaders to discuss what’s new and what’s next in glaucoma innovation, how their companies stay resilient through the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and more.A glimpse: Jay Katz, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Glaukos, shared the latest news on the iDose® TR sustained-release travoprost implant and the iStent Infinite, an investigational device designed to reduce IOP in open-angle glaucoma patients.New World Medical, which focuses on glaucoma surgical devices, has three products launched and two in the pipeline. S

Many early-stage medical device start-ups seek acquisition to secure the financial and operational resources they need to obtain regulatory approval and secure market access.Michael Gertner, MD, founder and CEO of Olympic Ophthalmics, took the more difficult path: he developed and began commercialization of iTEAR®100 himself.His non-invasive neurostimulation device treats all types of dry eye disease, and he wanted to make certain it got into the hands of as many patients as possible — not ignored by a large acquiring eye care company.To do so, Dr. Gertner assembled a small but mighty team of investors and in 2017 launched Olympic Ophthalmics. iTEAR 100 received FDA clearance under the De Novo path in May 2000. It’s based on technology similar to what’s been used successfully in cardiology, orthopedics, pain management and other therapeutic areas: electrical pulses stimulate the external nasal nerve, which prompts tear production.Dr. Gertner and team are currently running a post-market study in patients with

Throughout his career, Ramin Valian, Vice President of International Glaucoma, Reimbursement Pipeline, for Allergan, has stayed by the side of his mentors.Fresh out of college, where he earned degrees in Middle Eastern studies and Russian, he shifted his goals from working at the U.S. Department of State to joining his older sister at Roche. After learning the pharmaceutical industry ropes as a sales representative, he followed his supervisor, industry leader Joseph Schultz, to Johnson & Johnson and then Allergan.Holding various leadership roles over the past 15-plus years, Ramin has helped launch every one of Allergan’s glaucoma products. With host Ehsan Sadri, MD, Ramin discusses his tenure at Allergan, the acquisition by AbbVie, and his ability to adapt to change.When you listen to this podcast, you’ll also hear Ramin’s take on:The new frontier for presbyopia: the latest on AGN-190584, AbbVie/Allergan’s drop.The AbbVie/Allergan innovation pipeline, including a collaboration with REGENXBIO for gene ther

You’ve got a game-changing product. They want to back innovators like you. What’s the secret to a happy marriage? More importantly, how to you get a first date?Recorded during OIS Retina@ASRS in San Antonio, Texas, five pharma and finance leaders discuss their current areas of interest, how to secure crucial series A funding, and what’s on the verge of disruption.Tune in today to discover:What’s hot in retina: Dr. Guerard believes multiple compounds can co-exist in the market. A researcher with a great science-backed idea may only need five to ten percent of the market share to build a valuable company. Think niche markets like uveitis; a delivery model for anti-VEGF therapies that lowers patient burden, and gene therapies with clear targets and strong preclinical studies.Advice for early-stage companies: It takes more than great technology to secure funding. Entrepreneurs must have a well-planned roadmap and a solid team, Menzo says. What should that roadmap include? Tune in.Advice for later-stage companies:

If you want to predict eye surgery’s future, ask someone who pioneered the techniques used today.For this week’s podcast, Firas Rahhal, MD spoke with OIS Lifetime Innovator Award recipient Stanley Chang, MD, at the recent ASRS meeting about how the techniques he pioneered in the 1980s and 1990s have come full circle. Dr. Chang was the first to use perfluoropropane gas in the management of retinal detachments caused by scar tissue proliferation (PVR) on the retina. In the 1980s, he used SF6 and C3F8 gasses in vitreoretinal surgery. At the time, he wanted to find a longer-lasting gas. Today, drug developers want longer-lasting anti-VEGF therapies.The next cycle of innovation may bring a new gene therapy, drug delivery device, or compound that provides even longer-lasting benefits. To brings those therapies to market, however, Dr. Chang emphasizes that physician-researchers need strong scientific and corporate teams.Listen to this week’s podcast to hear Dr. Chang discuss:What drove the process for the use of per

How many patients have chronic dry eye symptoms that persist after you’ve tried every available therapy? They may have an imbalance between the peripheral visual tracking system and central fixation. Jeffrey Krall, OD, an optometrist in Mitchell, South Dakota, discovered the connection between this imbalance and the collection of symptoms associated with digital vision syndrome (DVS). He developed neurolens to test, diagnose, and treat those symptoms.  A life-long tinkerer who comes from a long lineage of optometrists and ophthalmologists, Dr. Krall realized that many patients’ headaches, neck strain, and dry eye symptoms stemmed from an overworked trigeminal nerve. The constant effort exerted by the extraocular muscles to correct eye misalignment stimulates the nerve, leading to pain and strain. OIS Podcast host Paul Karpecki, OD, speaks with Dr. Krall about his experience designing a lens that could correct eye misalignment. Though new to ophthalmic innovation, support from a few eye care and neurology expe

Baruch (Barry) Kupperman, MD, PhD, works as a consultant, professor, and benchtop scientist, but finds the most meaning in the dozens of patients he treats each week.With research interests in dry AMD and drug delivery, Dr. Kupperman held multiple roles in University of California Irvine’s Department of Ophthalmology before becoming the Roger F. Steinert Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology School of Medicine in 2017. Although he spends more time in leadership meetings these days, Dr. Kupperman still devotes time to the pursuit of science and medicine.OIS host Firas Rahhal, MD catches up with Dr. Kupperman after a rare two days off to discuss his career path, the current and future state of drug delivery, and what keeps him awake at night. Dr. Kupperman also discusses his residency and first fellowship (he completed three), which involved treating AIDS patients with retinitis. Administering eye injections to patients weekly — even seeing patients at home when they were too sick to visit the

You’ve got a great idea. Now what?It takes years of trial and error to move an ophthalmology product from concept to commercialization. But when you believe your technology could “change the future of cataract surgery,” you’ve got the motivation you need to keep moving forward. After nearly a dozen prototypes, Lexington, Kentucky-based Gary Wortz, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Omega Ophthalmics, has a product that’s producing strong data in early research. The Gemini Refractive Capsule reduces variables in the predictive effect of intraocular intraocular lens implants. The technology fits inside the natural capsular bag once the surgeon removes the cortex. The lens capsule, Dr. Wortz says, is the safest place to implant a medical device because the area has no nerve endings or blood vessels. The technology helps reduce posterior capsular opacification and stunts fibrosis.To date, Dr. Wortz says Omega Ophthalmics has about 100 devices implanted that are well tolerated. The company is currently evaluating next s

Damon Burrows isn’t a scientist. And he didn’t start IACTA Pharmaceuticals, an early-stage drug development company, because he believed his discovery could change the world.He founded IACTA because he was free. Free from his role as general counsel at Scilex Pharmaceuticals. And free to bring life-changing ophthalmic therapies to market.When Scilex merged with Sorrento in 2019, he and a team of executives from Allergan, where he previously served as Vice President, Associate General Counsel, moved away from Big Pharma to focus on innovation. Early on, IACTA partnered with Ora Clinical, which gave it depth of reach in asset identification, while the powerhouse executive team he selected helped move those assets forward.As IACTA emerges out of stealth mode with positive early data on its lead product, host Rob Rothman, MD, caught up with Damon to discuss his career evolution, the ocular drug market potential, and IACTA’s promising clinical programs.The newest addition to the IACTA family, IC 800, an ocular pro

France-based Théa Laboratories may be only 27 years old, but its legacy goes back 150 years. It reaches back to the 1870s, when ophthalmologist Paul Chibret became fascinated with trachoma. He would later help found the French Society of Ophthalmology. Five generations of Chibret doctors and entrepreneurs later, the Chibret family’s passion for eye care has led to the development of one of Europe’s leading eye-care companies. Now led by chairman Jean-Frédéric Chibret, MBA, the company remains independent, family owned, and 100% ophthalmology focused. While honoring those company values, Jean-Frédéric stays focused on growth. Revenue has increased from €150 million in 2008 to €600 million in 2020. The majority of that—75%—has taken place outside France. Théa’s next goal: commercialization in the United States.Listen to Jean-Frédéric’s “fireside chat” with Emmetrope founder Joseph Sullivan to discover:● Théa’s objectives for the next few years in both existing and new markets.● The progress Théa Open Innovation

With its high concentration of talented engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, it’s no surprise innovation is thriving in Israel. Home to a growing number of biotech and engineering firms, Israel has established a thriving ecosystem for ophthalmology startups.This week’s podcast shines a spotlight on that ecosystem, as host Suzana Nahum Zilberberg, Vice Chair of Bio-Light Life Sciences and co-founder of healthcare advisory firm iL.factor, settles in for a series of six-minute chats with six Israel-based innovators.Tune in to hear emerging technology founders, industry leaders, and savvy investors discuss emerging trends, product advancements, and business developments in eye care.The lineup includes:Zack Dvey-Aharon, PhD, cofounder and CEO of AEYE Health, and Kester Nahen, CEO of Notal Vision. The two early startup founders discuss how disruptive technology can help clinic-based eyecare overcome its limitations. They also give sage advice for other entrepreneurs.Anat Loewenstein, MD, Chair, Department of O

Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (DORC) is a world-leading retinal surgical instrument developer. Even so, CEO Pierre Billardon recognizes the company has a fair percentage of United States market share to obtain.To take the private equity-backed company through its next growth phase — the goal is to double its equity in three to five years — Pierre listened to DORC’s surgeon customers, strengthened its team, and improved DORC’s internal and external communication.While innovation remains a key driver for DORC, Pierre remains focused on developing practical solutions. One key example: DORC’s disposable flat vitrectomy lens, a favorite device of host Firas Rahal, MD. In this episode, Dr. Rahal speaks with Pierre about the technology behind TissueBlue, the only FDA-approved selective stain for the ILM, and why it’s superior to using ICG off label for ILM staining.You’ll also discover: ·         How Pierre’s success at HumanOptics, manufacturer of the CustomFlex artificial iris, has informed his position at DORC

Eric Schlumpf, president and CEO of Stuart Therapeutics, took a winding path to launch his South Florida-based eye care company. Along the way, he met academic researchers studying a family of collagen mimetic peptides that appeared to have a powerful reparative effect on many human conditions, including several in ophthalmology. Eric and his leadership team have moved in one focused direction ever since. In April 2021—about a month after receiving an $11 million Series A round of capital investment—Stuart Therapeutics got the green light from the FDA to begin Phase II clinical trials for ST-100, a topical drop designed to treat dry eye disease. The company is also researching indications for glaucoma and dry AMD.The product’s key API: that collagen peptide family Eric discovered, now patented as PolyCol™. In corneal wound models in mice, researchers found PolyCol™ produced complete healing to corneal tissues in 24 hours or less. The MOA is applicable across a wide range of ocular surface indications, from dr

Donald Korb’s myopia hasn’t affected his renowned ability to observe and to see what’s next.  The renowned researcher, inventor and thought leader in both optometry and ophthalmology is known for discovering and naming Meibomian Gland Dysfunction(MGD), now recognized worldwide as the primary cause of dry eye, and giant papillary conjunctivitis(GPC), a complication from contact lens wear. Those discoveries—not to mention all the other ocular-related conditions he named—changed the face of ophthalmology and optometry. But the most personally satisfying accomplishment was his first breakthrough: creating the first membrane hydrophilic contact lens. From there, he said to host Paul Karpecki, OD, his life took off like the lead character in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: whatever he imagined came to reality. Listen to this week’s podcast for Dr. Karpecki’s in-depth conversation with Dr. Korb. In it, they discuss: How a visit with Polaroid led him to ocular photography and contact lens development. The animal tha

Visus Therapeutics has more than doubled its team in the past two years, including the appointment of six senior leaders in June. CEO Ben Bergo grew that team as the company’s lead product, brimochol, a prescription eye drop designed to correct near vision loss caused by presbyopia, approached data readouts in Phase II clinical trials. As Visus prepares to move into Phase III studies later this year, OIS Podcast host Ehsan Sadri, MD, caught up with Ben to talk business and brimochol.Of the former, Ben shared how his career has progressed from spinning out technologies for Harvard, to leading M&A transactions for Planet Innovation, to founding a company dedicated to eye health.Of the latter, Ben details brimochol’s strong performance at eight and 12 hours. The product uses a combination of two APIs: 2.75% carbachol and .1% brimonidine tartrate, with 100 ppm BAK. Visus also has a preservative-free formulation in development that does not include BAK.Listen to the podcast today to discover: How brimochol’s A

If it hasn’t happened yet, just wait: the day will come when you have to use a larger font on the computer or hold the phone farther away to read a message. That frustrating condition, presbyopia, is a $3-5 billion market with limited non-surgical treatment options. LENZ Therapeutics is one company on a path to change that.In this podcast, president and CEO Eef Schimmelpennink speaks with host Ehsan Sadri, MD, about the progress of the company’s lead program, aceclidine. The drop is designed to restore loss of near vision without triggering ciliary muscles, and it produced promising Phase II data.As the company moves toward Phase III clinical trials, fresh off emerging from stealth mode with a $47 million Series A financing from Versant Ventures and RA Capital Management, Schimmelpennink reveals his larger picture for LENZ — without reaching for the reading glasses. Listen to the podcast to discover: Schimmelpennink’s views on the influence on compounding pharmacies for presbyopia treatments.The impact of All

Jeannette Bankes, President and General Manager for the Global Surgical Franchise at Alcon, learned early in her career that she had an interest not only in the complexity of vaccine and pharmaceutical development, but also in the business that drove that development. Her combination of scientific passion and business expertise led Jeannette to become one of the first women with a scientist-technical background to hold a GM role at Boston Scientific, and to lead what is now a $5 billion-per-year surgical franchise within the world’s largest eyecare device company.Take a listen as Jeannette discusses with host Rob Rothman, MD, why she transitioned from the pharmaceutical industry to the medical device industry and how she developed the business acumen to succeed as a GM. She also shares what’s on the horizon for Alcon and why the company values their strategic partners.Pres Play and you will also learn:What a company like Alcon looks for in early- and late-stage innovation partners.How Alcon maintains its domi

Legendary retinal surgeon and innovator Steve Charles, MD, has a long list of accomplishments. He’s performed more than 40,000 vitreoretinal surgeries, lectured in more than 50 countries, and operated in 25 of those countries. He’s also authored 150-plus medical articles and the go-to text, Vitreous Microsurgery, which is coming out in its sixth edition (with a complete rewrite of every chapter). Dr. Charles speaks five languages, has degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, and was a fellow at the National Institutes of Health. He also has, at last count, 106 issued or pending patents. Dr. Charles has been in practice for 46 years and has no plans for retirement. He continues to perform more than 700 vitrectomies during his 52-week work year. He hasn’t been on vacation in 25 years, spends his nights, weekends, and holidays studying engineering or stem cell biology, doesn’t have a house, a wife, or pets, but instead he has jobs and that’s the way he prefers it. Click “play” and listen in on a fascina