OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading Podcast

In the latest episode of the OIS podcast, host Dr. Rob Rothman delves into the transformative power of empathy with multi-Emmy award-winning actress and writer, Ellen Gould. Together, they explore the intersection of healthcare and storytelling, shedding light on the importance of patient-centered care and authentic narrative representation.Episode Highlights:Personal Journey: Ellen shares her journey living with Stargardt's disease and its profound influence on her perspective and creative endeavors.Adversity to Opportunity: Discover how Ellen turned personal challenges into opportunities for artistic expression and meaningful storytelling."Seeing Stars" Project: Get an inside look at Ellen's groundbreaking project, which amplifies the voices and experiences of individuals with visual disabilities.Authentic Storytelling: Rob and Ellen discuss the importance of authentic storytelling in portraying the real-life challenges and triumphs of people with disabilities.Future Outlook: Hear about Ellen's plans for the future and the ongoing impact of her work in promoting empathy and understanding.Tune in to this inspiring episode as Rob and Ellen celebrate resilience, compassion, and the power of empathy in action. Join the conversation and let empathy guide your journey towards connection and understanding.

In this episode, Dr. Jai Parekh shares his journey from ophthalmology to business leadership in healthcare. Raised in New Jersey, he initially pursued cardiology before discovering his passion for ophthalmology. Specializing in cornea and refractive surgery, he transitioned into the commercial side of the field, leveraging his clinical expertise and business acumen.Key points covered in the episode include:Transition into the commercial side of ophthalmology, leveraging clinical expertise and business acumen.Emphasis on the importance of physicians in shaping the healthcare industry and bridging the gap between clinical practice and business.Dedication to continuous learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in advancing patient care and the field of ophthalmology.Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to learn from a visionary leader in the field!

Don't miss the latest episode of the OIS Retina Podcast, where we sit down with optometrist and ophthalmology researcher Brian Levy for an illuminating discussion on the future of eye care. In this episode, Brian takes us on a journey through his career, from his early days in vet school to his groundbreaking work at Presbyterian Medical Center, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Bausch + Lomb and currently at InflammX Therapeutics. Here are some key talking points from the episode: 🔹 Brian's transition from vet school to ophthalmology research.🔹 His role in developing innovative ocular therapies.🔹 Insights into the latest advancements in eye care technology.🔹 Challenges and opportunities in the field of ophthalmology.🔹 Future directions and trends shaping the landscape of eye care. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and inspiration from one of the leading voices in the field!

Tune in to the latest episode of the Eye On Innovation podcast where Carey Powers dives into the dynamic world of biotech investor pitch decks with special guest Dr. Rob Rothman, Founding Partner of InFocus Capital Partners. Discover the top five mistakes to avoid when crafting your pitch deck and gain exclusive insights from Dr. Rothman's wealth of experience in ophthalmology and venture capital.In this episode, you'll learn:The importance of tailoring your pitch deck to specific investors.Strategies for keeping your pitch deck concise and engaging.Why it's crucial to address challenges, competition, and reimbursement in your presentation.The art of storytelling and its impact on investor engagement.Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion—subscribe to the OIS podcast today and stay ahead of the curve in biotech innovation!

Join us this week on the OIS podcast as host Carey Powers sits down with Dr. Paul Karpecki to explore the latest advancements in presbyopia treatment strategies. Here's what you can expect from this insightful conversation:Insider Insights: Dr. Karpecki shares insider insights gleaned from his extensive clinical experience and research in the field of presbyopia treatment.Financial Potential: Discover the potential for unprecedented financial gains in the rapidly evolving market of presbyopia treatment.Cutting-Edge Strategies: Uncover the latest cutting-edge strategies and developments in the treatment of presbyopia, offering hope and solutions to millions affected by this common eye condition.Tune in to this episode for an in-depth look at the future of presbyopia treatment and the exciting opportunities it presents!

In the latest episode of the OIS Podcast, host Dr. Robert Rothman engages in a captivating dialogue with Dr. Prasad Sunkara, CEO of Eyegenex.Key points discussed in the episode:Prasad's multifaceted background spanning agricultural sciences to pharmaceuticals.Eyegenex's pioneering work in gene and peptide therapies for ophthalmic conditions.The personal journey and insights driving Prasad's commitment to advancing ophthalmology.For a deep dive into this thought-provoking conversation, tune in to the OIS Podcast and explore the forefront of ophthalmic innovation.

 This panel discussion on startup commercial strategy explores key elements and insights from industry leaders, Paul Bresge, Aziz Mottiwala, Todd Pinkney, Cari Stone and Adam Szaronos, offering a comprehensive view of the journey from regulatory approval to commercialization. Beth Marsh, Lead of Sales and Marketing at Apellis, sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of early consideration of commercial strategy. Key topics covered in the discussion include:Early Commercial StrategyElements of Robust StrategyRaising Institutional FundingEvolution of StrategiesFuture AnticipationDon't miss out – listen now for a comprehensive view of navigating the complexities of startup success!

OIS Podcast host Carey Powers speaks with Dr. Adrienne Graves and Dr. Barbara Wirostko on 'Maximizing the Value of Your Board of Director' live from OIS XIII.Dr. Graves and Dr. Wirostko share valuable insights on:* Building effective boards* Significance of diversity* CEO and board member communications* Navigating decision-making* Board dynamics* Strategic collaboration This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and founders navigating the intricacies of leadership and strategic decision-making. Tune in now.

In this episode of the OIS Podcast, host Dr. Firas Rahhal, along with expert panelists, Dr. Robert Bhisitkul, Dr. Alan Franklin and Dr. Paul Karpecki at OIS XIII, takes listeners on a deep dive into the transformative landscape of oral therapies in retina treatment, challenging the conventional approach dominated by eye injections. Tune in as they explore the groundbreaking realm of oral treatments and shed light on their novelty in retinal care.The discussions are comprehensive, covering key aspects such as:•  Novelty in Retina Treatment•  Three-Step Improvement and Long-Term Vision Protection•  Optimism for Prevention and Early Intervention•  Clinical Trial Parameters and Market Potential•  Diverse Mechanisms in FocusDon't miss out on this enlightening episode that explores the dynamic landscape of oral therapies, offering a fresh perspective on their potential to revolutionize the field of ophthalmology. Stay informed and engaged with OIS XIII discussions, as experts discuss the exciting possibilities that oral therapies bring to the forefront of retinal treatment.

ViaLase, a clinical stage medical technology company located in Aliso Viejo, CA is focused on disrupting the conventional glaucoma treatment paradigm with the introduction of a truly noninvasive image-guided femtosecond laser treatment that enhances glaucoma patient care.With a leadership team that has vast experience developing, designing, manufacturing, and commercializing the first femtosecond lasers for ophthalmic surgery for refractive and cataract patients, ViaLase is now bringing that expertise and innovation to glaucoma patients.In this episode, Chief Commercialization Officer, Shawn O’Neil chats with OIS host Dr. Rob Rothman and discusses his successful product launches and instrumental contributions to ViaLase's commercialization strategy, their unique reimbursement strategy, the treatment's durability over time, enhancing its long-term impact, and much more.Tune in and see how ViaLase plans to bring this revolutionary treatment to glaucoma patients across the globe.ResourcesViaLase: https://www.vialase.comSean O’Neil: LinkedInRobert Rothman, MD ois.net/robert-rothman-md

Opthea, an Australian based biopharmaceutical company is dedicated to transforming retinal disease treatments and elevating patients' vision and quality of life. Join Firas Rahal, MD, in a captivating episode as he engages with Opthea's Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Megan Baldwin, PhD.Explore the compelling journey from oncology to ophthalmology, unraveling strategic decisions, navigating competitive landscapes, and achieving triumphs in clinical trials. Dr. Baldwin unfolds her remarkable career trajectory, from a PhD at the University of Melbourne to pivotal roles at Genentech and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.Tune in for exclusive insights, including:Opthea's strategic approach to revolutionizing eye careClinical Trials: A deep dive into their success and impactComparison with Other Drugs: Differentiating factors and unique contributionsFuture Directions: Exploring new horizons and clinical opportunitiesCommercialization Timeline: Anticipated milestones and FDA approval strategiesListen now for a compelling journey through Opthea's vision as they continue to shape the landscape of ophthalmological advancements.Opthea: Opthea.comMegan Baldwin, PhD: LinkedInFiras Rahal, MD ois.net/robert-rothman-md

Harrow isn’t a household name (yet), but eye care professionals have trusted its products for over a decade.The Nashville-based company produces Dexycu, an intraocular steroid; Iopidine for intraocular pressure control; and most recently, five Novartis products that Harrow acquired in December 2022.Rob Rothman, MD, caught up with Harrow founder and CEO Mark Baum to find out how he grew the company from worse than nothing—he acquired, restructured, and reorganized a company in bankruptcy in 2011—to a publicly traded organization with an enterprise value of $750 million.Baum describes Harrow as a “consortium of entrepreneurs.” That consortium includes:Eton Pharmaceuticals, developing products to treat rare diseaseSurface Ophthalmics, developing preservative-free products to treat dry eye disease and post-operative painMelt Pharmaceuticals, which produces MKO Melt, an FDA-approved analgesicHarrow built its business off compounded medications. By meeting needs of physicians in that way, it grew from zero to over 10,000 customers in a relatively short time.Looking ahead, Baum wants to build Harrow’s portfolio and its brand recognition, all while abiding by the company’s mission: to give patients access to affordable ophthalmic medications.Listen to the podcast today to discover:More about Baum’s career path, including his background as a lawyer and investor, his move into business, and the event that prompted him to reorganize and restructure what is now Harrow.Harrow’s corporate philosophy and why Baum considers the company a consortium of entrepreneurs.How Harrow grew from zero to over 10,000 customers in a few years.The secret to Harrow’s success, including how it profits from smaller, but no less important, assets.What’s next for Harrow, including the upcoming launch of Vevye, a dry eye drop based on Novaliq’s proprietary EyeSol water-free technology.How Harrow plans to grow within the next five years, and whether that includes developing its own products.ResourcesHarrow:                       harrow.comMark Baum:                marklbaum.com and on LinkedInRob Rothman, MD      ois.net/robert-rothman-md

Endogena Therapeutics has developed a novel approach to regenerative medicine that’s not only scientifically compelling, but practical.Endogena’s technology unlocks the body’s own stem cells for controlled tissue repair by small molecules. Its products use a dosing schedule that could move easily into the system already in place for intravitreal injections.CEO Matthias Steger, PhD, MBA, sat down with retina specialist Firas Rahhal, MD, to discuss the Endogena approach in depth. They also discuss the compelling results seen so far in both animal models and in patients.The company’s lead candidate is being developed to treat retinitis pigmentosa. The product has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designation from the FDA and is moving through Phase IIa clinical trials. Dr. Steger says the company expects to have data to share in early 2024. It’s also submitting an investigational new drug (IND) application for an age-related macular degeneration treatment later this month.Listen to the podcast today to discover:The “serendipitous discoveries” that moved Dr. Steger’s career from applied science to financial analyst to regenerative medicine start-up cofounder.The stem cell approach that Dr. Steger and team are applying to Endogena products and how it differs from implanted stem cell programs.How Endogena applies its novel drug discovery approach to neurodegenerative retinal disease by rebuilding photoreceptors.The type and location of retinal stem cells used for Endogena treatments.The types of molecules used to stimulate or induce an effect from the stem cells.The incredible results the technology produced in mice—regenerating the outer retinal layer “nearly back to normal” and regenerating the rods and cones.The dosing schedule for the RP product and what happens after dosing is complete.How Endogena plans to fund its current and upcoming programs. Where has the funding come from to date? And for upcoming clinical trials?ResourcesEndogena Therapeutics          https://endogena.comFiras Rahhal, MD                     https://ois.net/firas-m-rahhal-md

“You can see and feel a buzz within the company right now,” said Andrew Stewart, President, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, at Bausch + Lomb.Bausch + Lomb’s current momentum stems not only from new leadership, but also from recent collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions.Stewart and Yehia Hashad, MD, Executive Vice President of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer, join host Paul Karpecki, OD, to discuss these activities. Miebo, the first-in-class dry eye asset for the treatment of evaporative dry eye, tops the list.Looking ahead, Stewart and Dr. Hashad said the company is lasering its focus to tackle more unmet medical needs in eye care. The company intends to build on its legacy of innovation in drug delivery, in MOAs, and in developing new molecular entities.What’s next for the most recognized name in eye care?Topics discussed include:Why Stewart shifted into commercial from R&D, and why Dr. Hashad moved from clinical practice to R&D.How Bausch + Lomb leadership is looking at the future for a company with a 170-year legacy.Bausch + Lomb’s holistic approach to dry eye disease and treatment.The company’s thinking behind acquiring the rights from Novaliq to pursue development of what is now Miebo.The importance of addressing unmet needs with respect to the Bausch pipeline.What excites Dr. Hashad and Stewart about the company right now.Where they would like to see Bausch + Lomb in the next three to five years, including for Miebo, for ocular surface disease treatments, and for eye care.ResourcesMiebo                         https://www.miebo.comAndrew Stewart          https://www.bausch.com/about-bausch-lomb/leadership-teamYehia Hashad, MD       https://www.bausch.com/about-bausch-lomb/leadership-teamPaul Karpecki, OD       https://ois.net/paul-karpecki-od

OIS Podcast host Carey Powers caught up with four ophthalmology execs and one principal investigator to talk about some of the most exciting developments in retina R&D.Her guests include:Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD, Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of Optigo Biotherapeutics   Michael Tsipursky, MD, CEO and Cofounder of Revive BiotechMichael Singer, MD, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Texas Health Science Center, Director of Clinical Research at Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, and Principal Investigator for Unity Biotechnology’s BEHOLD trialSamarendra Mohanty, PhD, President and Cofounder; and Sulagna Bhattacharya, CEO and Cofounder of Nanoscope TherapeuticsOptigo is developing binders intended to extend the duration of top-performing intravitreal drugs without compromising efficacy. The company has already had promising results in clinical trials with aflibercept. What’s next?Revive Biotech focuses on central retinal artery occlusion. Its products work by injecting oxygen-loaded nanobubbles into the eye intravitreally. Preclinical studies have advanced through proof of concept. Nanobubbles?Dr. Singer is a principal investigator in Unity Biotechnology’s clinical trial for UBX-1325, a therapeutic in development to treat diabetic macular edema and wet AMD. If approved, the product could work as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapies.Nanoscope Therapeutics is developing gene therapies that focus on ambient light-sensitive molecules to treat inherited and acquired retinal diseases. Its lead product, MCO-010, is moving through Phase II trials. Why ambient light?Tune in to hear today’s experts discuss:How Optigo plans to extend the duration of afliberceptThe impact of extending duration activity on patients, physicians, and payersWhat Optigo plans to accomplish over the next 12 monthsWhat’s behind Revive Biotech’s proprietary technology and what makes it unique.The milestones it has completed so far with relation to clinical trials, intellectual property, and fundingThe new class of therapeutics being developed by Unity BiotechnologyThe data released so far on the UBX-1325 BEHOLD trialIf approved, the impact of UBX-1325—an agent that may potentially extend the life of anti-VEGF therapies—on clinical practiceThe potential impact of Nanoscope Therapeutics’s MCO-010 on patient communitiesThe feedback reported from clinical trial participantsThe critical milestones Nanoscope Therapeutics intends to achieve over the next year[Listen Now]

OIS Podcast host Carey Powers speaks with four CEOs from leading retina-focus companies to talk about all things innovation. Her guests include:•  Kerrie Brady, BPharm, President and CEO of OcuTerra•  Rich Small, CEO of NeuroTech Pharmaceuticals•  Kester Nahen, PhD, CEO of Notal Vision•  Brad Doerschuk, President and CEO of InFocus ClinicalOcuTerra is developing OTT166, a novel small molecule designed to treat diabetic retinopathy.The product is getting attention because it can deliver product to the retina via an eye drop application, said Kerrie Brady, BPharm, CEO of OcuTerra.The company has completed enrollment for a Phase II trial in 225 patients with diabetic retinopathy. They hope to have topline results in early 2024.Next up: Rich Small, CEO of NeuroTech Pharmaceuticals. The company’s Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT) technology enables continuous production of therapeutic proteins to the eye.ECT is central to NT-501, a product being developed to treat macular telangiectasia (MacTel) as well as glaucoma.Third in line: Kester Nahen, PhD, CEO of Notal Vision. Notal Vision provides remote patient monitoring services for patients with retinal diseases. Its teleconnected devices use AI and analytics to give physicians insight into retinal activity in between patient visits. The company is also developing a home OCT device that has received Breakthrough Device designation from the FDA.Brad Doerschuk, CEO of InFocus Clinical, closes out the podcast by discussing the value of contracting with a specialist. He says InFocus is the first and only retina specialty CRO. The depth of ophthalmology expertise at the organization is hard to find, he says, and it enables the company to offer comprehensive, high-touch services to its clients.Other topics covered on today’s episode include:•  The mechanism of action of OcuTerra’s OTT166•  The opportunities that arise from a noninvasive local therapy and how this type of therapy could transform the standard of care.•  How NeuroTech’s ECT platform delivers proteins to the back of the eye.•  Details on NT-501’s Phase II and III studies.•  What 10 years of real-world data revealed about patients that use Notal Vision’s ForeseeHome.•  How Notal Vision’s Home OCT is helping clinical trial investigators.•  How Home OCT aids long-term treatment.•  What sets InFocus Clinical apart from other CROs that run ophthalmology studies.•  The latest additions to InFocus Clinical’s partnership program[Listen Now]ResourcesOcuTerra Therapeutics           ocuterratx.comNeuroTech                              neurotechpharmaceuticals.comNotal Vision                            notalvision.comInFocus Clinical                       infocusclinical.comCarey Powers:                          ois.net/carey-powersFor more on at-home OCT, give Episode #377 with Anat Loewenstein, MD, a listen. https://ois.net/the-latest-on-at-home-oct-with-anat-loewenstein-md

At-home OCT enables daily monitoring of patients with neovasular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other patients that need a lot of follow-ups.With host Carey Powers, Dr. Anat Loewenstein dives into at-home OCT innovation, application, and adoption.Dr. Loewenstein is Head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vice Dean at Tel Aviv Medical Center. She’s also a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon and has been heavily involved in research related to early AMD detection.Why all the fuss about at-home OCT? An at-home monitoring solution will potentially lessen the number of appointments for patients who don’t need them. More-frequent monitoring could also help catch disease changes sooner so doctors can facilitate treatment asap.Listen to the podcast today to discover:How at-home OCT works and the role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in image analysis.The patient experience when using at-home OCT.How disease activity alerts are delivered from the at-home device to the physician.Once a physician receives an alert, steps to take to get the patient into the clinic right away.The status of products closest to FDA approval, such as Notal Home OCT from Notal Vision.Dr. Loewenstein’s thoughts on the global health implications of at-home OCT.[Listen Now]ResourcesAnat Loewenstein: linkedin.com/in/anat-loewenstein-b48a595Carey Powers: ois.net/carey-powers

Keith Valentine is the first and only visually impaired head of a national sight loss organization in the UK.As the President and CEO of Vision Foundation, London’s leading sight loss charity, Valentine guides an organization that provides services for blind and visually impaired people countrywide. He also has plans to increase the organization’s research commitment.In March 2023, Vision Foundation merged with Fight for Sight, the leading UK charity dedicated to stopping sight loss through pioneering research. Combined with Vision Foundation’s legacy as a service provider, the new organization intends to make a bigger impact on both science and services.Valentine said out of all the sight loss funding currently available in the UK, the majority goes toward much-needed services. Only a small slice is available for research. Vision Foundation currently distributes about £2 million per year to fund research, and it’s one of the larger UK sight loss charities.Valentine told host Rob Rothman, MD, the deficit of research funding “will be felt by the investor community and the scientific community. It will affect the sustainability of science in the UK and the ability to attract people to ophthalmology as a profession.”Valentine intends to use what he learned in both the private and non-profit sectors to avert that deficit.Listen to the podcast today to discover:More about Valentine’s background, including his transition from the private sector to nonprofit sight loss, and how his experience with retinitis pigmentosa influenced his career path.The structure and scope of the charitable sight loss sector in the UK, including its approach to funding.How Valentine’s experience as a start-up founder influences his role leading a nonprofit.How Valentine plans to accelerate Vision Foundation’s scientific investment.His thoughts on whether nonprofits could or should benefit financially from their scientific investments and what that would look like.The potential and risks involved for nonprofits that invest alongside venture capital firms to advance innovation.[Listen Now]ResourcesVision Foundation                   visionfoundation.org.ukKeith Valentine:                       linkedin.com/in/keith-valentine-70281635Robert Rothman, MD:            ois.net/robert-rothman-md

Two recent drug approvals changed the game for ocular surface disease: Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25 percent (Tarsus Pharmaceuticals) for Demodex blepharitis, and Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) from Bausch + Lomb and Novaliq for evaporative dry eye disease. On today’s podcast, two ocular surface disease experts talk about these and other developments related to dry eye.Our guests:Laura Periman, MD, aka “the dry eye master” and founder of Periman Eye InstituteLisa Nijm, MD, JD, a corneal, cataract, and Lasik specialist at Warrenville Eyecare and Lasik in Warrenville, IllinoisDr. Periman was an investigator in the Xdemvy clinical trials, and Dr. Nijm was involved in an extended observational study.“Before Xdemvy, patients’ options were limited,” Dr. Nijm told host Carey Powers. “When treated with Xdemvy, at one year, about 60 percent of patients still had clearance of Demodex.”Periman noted that during clinical trials, within a week or two she noticed “impressive improvements” in redness, reduction of collarette, and mite load in patients treated with Xdemvy. She also said the drug was “extremely well tolerated.”Miebo, a product designed to prevent excessive tear evaporation in patients with dry eye, is also expected to bring relief to a wide number of people. Dr. Periman sees Miebo as a “rapid go-to” for patients with an evaporative component, as it will potentially allow the ocular surface to protect the cornea as it’s supposed to.These two products alone will help make ocular surface diseases easier to manage; however, other exciting innovations emerging later this year could liven up the playing field.Listen to the podcast today to discover:Drs. Periman and Nijm’s insights into the Xdemvy clinical trias and why they’re not surprised the drug received early FDA approval.How to identify Demodex in the clinic: a quick tip from Dr. Periman.Why patient education around lid hygiene remains important even with use of Xdemvy.How to best use the latest dry eye treatments to treat ocular surface disease.What makes Miebo a unique and widely applicable product.Innovations on the horizon in dry eye disease, from pharmaceuticals to neurostimulators.How the aesthetic components of dry eye disease factor into clinical care.[Listen Now]ResourcesLisa Nijm, MD, JD: warrenvilleeyecare.comLaura Periman, MD:  dryeyemaster.com/about-laura-perimanCarey Powers: ois.net/carey-powers