Ois Podcast

Innovation happens in labs, workshops, and garages worldwide. How does it happen in a global enterprise like Johnson & Johnson?Christoph Vonwiller, President of the Asia Pacific Region for Johnson & Johnson Vision, sheds light on that topic during a conversation with host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD.As he sees it, start-ups and academic researchers stay laser-focused on solving a specific problem. They’re agile. They fail and succeed fast.A large, innovation-focused organization like J&J brings complimentary traits: muscle and legacy. “You can only be around for over 130 years if you’re continually innovating and evolving,” Vonwiller said.Start-ups bring the ideas, the science, and the passion. J&J contributes the resouorces to facilitate clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and commercialization strategies. It’s a balance of fast and methodical, lean and hefty.In Singapore, where Vonwiller leads his Asia Pacific team, J&J Vision recently launched the ELITA Femtosecond Laser, a next-generat

Brian Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, describes his company’s approach as “replace and restore.”In certain settings, replacing whole cells may provide restorative benefits that go beyond small molecule drugs, or even anti-VEGF therapies.Replacing dysfunctional or lost cell types with manufactured cells of the same type can restore activity. That means a potential reversal of disease progression rather than a slower road to vision loss.Lineage has taken this approach to develop a treatment for dry AMD. OpRegen is in a Phase IIa clinical trial to evaluate the cell therapy in patients with geographic atrophy secondary to AMD. OpRegen replaces the layer of damaged retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells with manufactured RPE cells via a single, 30-minute procedure.With host Rob Rothman, MD, Culley shares Lineage’s two-step allogenic cell production process and how the company applies it to ophthalmology. They also discuss how this process got the attention of Roche and other strategic partners—a rare win

For today’s episode, the newest addition to the OIS Podcast team, Carey Powers, sits down with the newest additions to the Staar Surgical team: Warren Foust, Chief Operating Officer; and Magda Michna, PhD, Chief Clinical, Regulatory, and Medical Affairs Officer.Starr has led the way in implantable lenses for over 40 years, but like many medical device companies, not many patients have heard of them.That’s changing now that Staar has doubled down on direct-to-consumer advertising. To date, they’ve secured collaborations with the Jonas Brothers, Peyton List, and NBA player Max Strus, among others.Kudos from celebrities, as well as a 99.4% patient satisfaction rate, will help Staar emulate the company’s success in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe in the United States. A clinical strategy that includes physician partnerships will help those docs communicate the safety profile and benefits of Staar’s EVO-ICL lenses for myopia and astigmatism.Listen to the podcast today to discover:Starr Surgical’s approach to ph

Nataša Jovic has led marketing strategies for retina products since the launch of Visudyne. Approved by the FDA in 2002, Visudyne was the first commercially available therapy to treat wet AMD. Today, Jovic applies her scientific background and retina experience to lead marketing and commercial operations for RetinAI, a software company that supports R&D initiatives.As a retina specialist, OIS podcast host Firas Rahhal, MD, wanted to know: what’s the deal with AI? How can it help me in my practice? Jovic provides insight.At present, the FDA has approved over 500 AI-enabled medical devices, most of them in radiology and cardiology. Ophthalmology has seven. Those seven products, in addition to ancillary unregulated devices, she says, have the potential to streamline workflows, expedite clinical research, and generally assist in the clinical decision-making and care management.Listen to the podcast today to discover:More about Jovic’s background, which included managing Visudyne’s marketing strategy.AI 101: T

Cedric Francois, MD, PhD, is the cofounder, CEO, and president of Apellis, the company behind Syfovre, the first FDA-approved treatment for geographic atrophy.Like many, his path to the top of a successful publicly traded pharmaceutical company did not come fast or easy. He learned the hard way not to rely on “soft commitments” when funding a new venture. He also learned that good instincts and a better bottle of wine can go a long way toward persuading angel investors to open their checkbooks.In this conversation with Firas Rahal, MD, Dr. Francois details the long and winding path that led him from curious physician-scientist to pharmaceutical industry leader. He shares the story of how Syfovre came to be, as well as the hits and misses through 17 years of fundraising.Hits include turning around his first angel investor during an impromptu follow-up meeting. Misses include needing to raise money turning the Great Recession in 2009—a time when there wasn’t money to raise. He avoided bankruptcy by selling his

Jodbhir (Jod) Mehta, PhD, is the Head of the Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group at the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Head of the Corneal Service and Senior Consultant in the Refractive Service of the Singapore National Eye Center (SNEC).Dr. Mehta, a corneal and refractive surgery expert, has spent most of his career in Singapore, a small, thriving nation with one of the most successful healthcare systems in the world. But he trained in London and Birmingham, England.Dr. Mehta could have stayed in England and done quite well. Instead, he chose to continue his career in Singapore, a country where he could make an even deeper impact.He arrived, to a new country and a new culture, with $500, knowing no one. That was over 15 years ago.With podcast host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD, Dr. Mehta shares why his unconventional path—to pursue a fellowship on a small island thousands of miles away—made all the difference.He also discusses his research into corneal transplantation, his early adoption of femtosecond la

When Barry Linder, MD, was an ophthalmologist with Kaiser Permanente, he saw a familiar pattern. Patients with dry eye disease usually had Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). They were advised to place a wet warm washcloth over the eyelids twice a day. They’d inevitably abandon the protocol after a few days.Thinking there had to be a better way, he developed the EyeGenie, a simple but effective eye mask that delivers continuous heat for up to 15 minutes.For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, he developed the Eye Lipid Mobilizer (ELM), a device so effective that podcast host Paul Karpecki, OD, says it has “the most potential of any in the field of in-office procedures.”Dr. Linder, who founded Eyedetec Medical to develop and commercialize these products, says ELM embodies the following characteristics:It’s convenient (Patients can use it on their own after one in-office visit.)It’s affordableIt’s effectiveELM combines vibration, heat, and neuromodulation to decrease tear evaporation and to induce expressi

If ophthalmology clinical trials were burgers, mitomycin would be the mustard at the table of every U.S. restaurant with a burger on the menu.*Using this analogy, Mitsol, developed and manufactured by Mobius Therapeutics, is the only FDA-approved mitomycin-c “mustard” formulation with an ophthalmic indication.In reality, the mitomycin story in ophthalmology is more complicated than that, says Ed Timm, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Mobius Therapeutics.Mitomycin-c is used by ophthalmologists to prevent scarring during surgery. Before the FDA approved Mitosol, surgeons would have to obtain a formulation of the antimetabolite from a compounding pharmacy. Because of its instability, the effectiveness of off-label use could vary.All that changed with the arrival of Mitosol, which is a standardized product that requires no refrigeration, no light-shielding, and has a 24-month shelf life.Unfortunately, ophthalmologists still have to develop off-label formulations of other products for use during surgery, which leads

In pharma, it takes many failures to achieve one breakthrough. Dompé, a family-owned global biopharmaceutical company, focuses on long-term success, knowing those wins impact thousands or even millions of patients.Gianluca Rossetti, Strategic Planning & Corporate Business Development Director at Dompé, was drawn by the company’s ambition, passion, and commitment to innovation and science.Today, he uses his management consulting background to guide the company’s business strategy, lead strategic projects, and provide direction as the company expands its ophthalmology portfolio.With podcast host and retina surgeon Firas Rahhal, MD, Gianluca shares Dompé’s vision and gives details into its pipeline. He also provides insight into what’s kept the company going for over 130 years—through two world wars and two pandemics.A clue: as a family-owned company, Dompé focuses less on quarterly results and more on long-term impact.Listen to the podcast today to discover:Gianluca’s professional background: why he chose t

Dompé, a family-owned global biopharmaceutical company with roots that date back over 150 years, built its legacy by following two principles: take calculated risks, and focus on need rather than precedent.Georgea Pasedis, PharmD, RPh, Dompé’s Senior Vice President and Global Head of Medical Affairs, moved into her current role by following similar principles. After earning her PharmD and practicing at the renowned Mass Eye and Ear in Boston, Dr. Psedis determined she could make a broader impact by transitioning to industry.In her medical affairs role, Dr. Pasedis discusses the science behind Dompé’s products with physicians worldwide. That education includes intel on rhNGF (recombinant human Nerve Growth Factor), the protein that forms the basis for Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) the first FDA-approved treatment for neurotrophic keratitis (NK).With podcast host Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, Dr. Pasedis discusses the mechanism of action behind Oxervate and how it helps both early- and late-stage NK patients.She also d

As Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Surgical for Bausch + Lomb, Anthony Wallace is involved in virtually all things surgical. His day-to-day includes strategy, portfolio planning, R&D alignment, acquisitions, pricing and contracting, sales and marketing, and supply chain.On top of all that, he’s one of the key executives leading Bausch + Lomb’s five-year charge: double the number of patients reached from 2 million to 4 million.During a candid discussion with podcast host and retina surgeon Firas Rahhal, MD, Wallace discusses how current healthcare policy will affect surgical device and drug development, pricing, and patient outcomes.He also shares stories from his tenure at Novartis, including the dark time when the company called off three Beovu clinical trials due to cases of occlusive vasculitis. “It was the fastest I’ve seen any company move and it was in the name of patient safety,” he said.Listen to the podcast today to discover:The feedback Bausch + Lomb has received on Stellaris Elite fo

Today’s podcast shines the spotlight on the front of the eye, focusing new treatments and approaches to dry eye disease, blepharitis, and Sjogren's Syndrome, to name a few.Kelly Nichols, OD, PhD, dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, guides a panel of four clinical and industry experts through a robust conversation on ocular surface disease.They start by sharing their optimism around new treatments and awareness initiatives. Jeffrey Nau, PhD, president of the newly formed Viatris Eye Care Division, said progress is inching along now, but “it’s only a matter of time until we have a massive uplift that will completely change the way we look at ocular surface disease.”In late 2021, the FDA approved Tyrvaya, the first nasal spray for dry eye disease. Researchers continue to evaluate treatments and diagnostics from multiple angles. Physicians continue to tailor their approaches to better educate, diagnose, and treat ocular surface disease patients. What’s next?Listen to the podc

Myopia has escalated to epidemic proportions with a global prevalence twice that of obesity. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2021 found the prevalence of myopia in six-year-old children in China jumped from 5.7% between 2015 and 2019 to 21.5% in 2020. Given myopia affects about 40% of Americans and up to 90% of the East and Southeast Asians, it’s time to pick up the pace on education, treatment, and management. At OIS XII in San Diego, a panel of experts discussed how the eye care community can make a difference in myopia within the pediatric population. Moderated by David Kading, OD, of Specialty Eye in Seattle, Washington, the group discussed current FDA-approved and off-label treatments, as well as emerging solutions. They also discussed the importance of raising parent awareness to reduce risk and progression of this disease. Listen to the podcast today to hear the panelists discuss: ·         What’s happening now in the myopia management space.·         Is myopia a disease?·         Exciting m

Robert Avery, MD, CEO of California Retina Consultants, balances roles as physician and researcher with a lucrative additional career: advising life sciences companies and ophthalmology focused venture capital funds. With colleague and podcast host Firas Rahhal, MD, Dr. Avery talks about how he got into the business side of medicine. He also looks back over 30 years of retina, which includes pioneering the use of anti-VEGF agents for retinal disease.Looking forward, Dr. Avery shares his views on what’s on the horizon for drug delivery platforms. And for the drug and device developers in the audience, he discusses how to leverage scientific advisory boards to gain valuable, practical insight.Listen to the podcast today to discover:How Dr. Avery built his clinical research practice in Santa Barbara, California. It’s home to University of California Santa Barbara, a Tier 1 research university, but otherwise not a primary center for clinical trials.Tales from the early days of Avastin, including how Dr. Avery hel

CooperVision’s Global Head of Myopia Management Strategy, Rajeev Garg, made a bold move over a decade ago. After a fruitful career in R&D for Abbott and Merck, he got his MBA and transitioned to the commercial side. It worked out well. He led global teams for Johnson & Johnson and Bausch + Lomb before joining one of the industry’s leading contact lens makers. With ophthalmologist and venture capitalist Ehsan Sadri, MD, Rajeev shares CooperVision’s path forward for myopia innovation. CooperVision’s MySight one-day contact lenses are the only FDA-approved contacts designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. CooperVision wants to build on that success by ramping up physician training and education as well as raising consumer awareness on the importance of slowing the progression of myopia. It’s taking the lead through joint ventures, acquisitions, and other partnerships. CooperVision also encourages physicians to take the Myopia Management Pledge. Are you ready to make myopia management part

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma. The more IOP data, the better physicians can evaluate treatment impact, which is critical to preserving vision.Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH developed the eyemate® technology platform to fill that need. The implantable sensor, powered and read by a hand-held device, allows physicians to monitor IOP between visits.Implandata CEO and cofounder, Max Ostermeier, discussed the technology and the gap it fills with glaucoma specialist and OIS podcast host Rob Rothman, MD. Better IOP monitoring, they argue, can help change the paradigm of patient care.Listen to the podcast today to discover:How the eyemate system works and how it may help glaucoma patients, including those with low-tension glaucoma.A deeper dive into eyemate study results, which includes 10 years of in vivo data.Implandata’s near-term plans for developing eyemate further, including miniaturizing the sensors and potentially combining it with other therapeutic de

Applications of the metaverse go far beyond gaming and social media. In healthcare and life sciences, innovative physicians and researchers are exploring its potential to accomplish the following: Enhance decentralized clinical trialsDevelop precision medicine therapiesImprove surgical navigation e.g., to perfect a surgical route before treating the patientEnhance surgical education, training, and mentoringAs part of connected care and virtual careTo create medical storefronts Because ophthalmology is considered one of the most innovative fields in medicine, it’s no surprise physicians are discussing ways to use this alternate community to enhance clinical care. In this podcast, three ophthalmology thought leaders explore what’s possible for eye care in the metaverse. They discuss how digital twins can enable precision medicine. They discuss its application for visual field testing and its potential to identify disease earlier to enable proactive care. Listen to the podcast today to discover: What lies ahead

With extensive experience as both a medical and technology professional, Khizer Khaderi, MD, MPH, could be described as either a technology whiz who practices medicine or an ophthalmologist pursuing technology. In reality, he falls into a field all his own, combining what he knows about sports performance, vision, and advanced technology into a career that currently includes teaching, research, and leading an AI start-up (Vizzario).Dr. Khaderi is the clinical associate professor at the Bayers Eye Institute at Stanford University, founder and director of the Stanford Human Perception Laboratory and the Stanford Vision Performance Center, and faculty at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. In this week’s podcast, he speaks with host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD about the potential for augmented reality, virtual reality, the metaverse, and Web3 in clinical care.But before all that, he talks about a career that started in his teens—he started medical school at 19 after earning his master’s in public health. Du

Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), a progressive hereditary disease that causes blurred or cloudy vision and vision loss, has no cure other than transplant of endothelial layer.David Eveleth, PhD, founder, president, and CEO of Trefoil Therapeutics, wants to change that.The company’s lead product, TTHX1114, has the potential to medically treat FECD and other corneal dystrophies without transplant. If successful, they’ll give patients an alternative to surgery as well as improve access to treatment for people with corneal diseases worldwide.With podcast host Rob Rothman, MD, Dr. Eveleth discusses the science behind TTHX1114, which was designed to treat ulcerative conditions on the front surface of the cornea.Encouraging Phase II results showed TTHX1114 led to a dose-related reduction in corneal edema in Fuchs patients who underwent a Descemet Stripping Only procedure. The drop could potentially help some patients avoid transplant and reduce edema secondary to cataract surgery, Dr. Eveleth said. Listen

Podcast Description: More than 300 clinical thought leaders, pharma industry executives, and ophthalmology investors gathered recently in San Diego, CA, for OIS XII. In addition to announcing pivotal new data, presenters discussed drug and device innovations, advances in clinical trials, and how to gain or maintain a competitive edge in today’s market.For this week’s OIS Podcast, surgeon Ehsan Sadri, MD, co-founder of Visionary Ventures; and Sharon Bakalash, MD, PhD, founder and CEO of SB Strategic Development Consultants, sat down with an all-star cast of ophthalmology leaders. Here’s a preview of the cast and what they talk about:·         Avellino CEO John Robson, on how he brings decades of experience analyzing data to eye care. He also explains how (and why) Avellino uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to fuel drug discovery—specifically, precision medicine therapies.·         Dompé’s global head of medical and clinical affairs Georgea Pasedis, PharmD, gives an update on Dompé’s neurotrophi