In this OIS Podcast episode, host Dr. Robert Rothman sits down with Daphne Haim-Langford, PhD, Founder & CEO of Tarsier Pharma, and Ashley Kline, Chief Commercial Officer, to discuss their groundbreaking approach to uveitis treatment.

Tarsier’s lead candidate, TRS01, is a first-in-class bio-inspired therapy designed to control inflammation without raising intraocular pressure, a major complication of steroid treatments. With a unique mechanism of action that modulates macrophages and reduces inflammation, this novel drug has the potential to redefine uveitis and glaucoma care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🔹 How Tarsier’s bio-inspired molecule is changing the game in ophthalmology.

🔹 Why steroids, despite being the standard of care, can be problematic for uveitis patients.

🔹 The challenges of scaling manufacturing and securing regulatory approval for novel ophthalmic treatments.

🔹 Insights from Ashley Kline on the commercial strategy for launching Tarsier’s therapy.

🔹 How Dr. Rothman sees this innovation reshaping ophthalmology and glaucoma treatment.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Tarsier Pharma is working to bring a safer, more effective treatment to market! Subscribe to the OIS Podcast today!

In this episode of Eye on Innovation, host Carey Powers introduces the Next-Gen Innovators series with special guest Dr. Vikram Shankar, an ophthalmologist at Stanford and co-founder of Dropmate. Dr. Shankar discusses how his passion for public health and patient care inspired the creation of Dropmate—a compact, affordable, and eco-friendly disinfection system for clinical eye care equipment. Learn how this technology addresses patient safety, cost savings, and environmental sustainability, all while transforming the standard of care in ophthalmology.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Dropmate revolutionizes the disinfection process for eyedropper bottles, tonometer tips, and other eye care devices.
• The significant cost savings and sustainability impact of Dropmate on clinics and ASCs.
• Dr. Shankar’s inspiring journey from public health to ophthalmology and innovation.
• Insights into building a successful medical startup, including mentorship, partnerships, and overcoming challenges.
• The milestones Dropmate has achieved in 2024 and its ambitious goals for 2025.

Discover how Dr. Vikram Shankar is shaping the future of eye care with innovation and sustainability at the forefront. Subscribe to the Eye on Innovation Podcast today and stay ahead of the curve!

In this episode of The Rob and Jai Show, Dave LeCause, a renowned biopharmaceutical leader and former VP of Allergan Eye Care, reflects on his remarkable career in ophthalmology. Join us as Dave discusses his journey from leading commercial strategies for billion-dollar brands to mentoring the next generation of innovators. Hear his thoughts on innovation cycles, the evolving landscape of dry eye treatments, and why gene and cell therapies hold the key to ophthalmology’s future.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Dave LeCause helped shape the commercial success of leading ophthalmic brands.
• His perspective on dry eye innovation and the market’s ongoing growth potential.
• Why gene and cell therapy excite him as the next frontier in eye care.
• Insights into the evolving role of strategic partnerships and commercialization strategies in startups.
• The unique opportunities and challenges facing the eye care sector today.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of ophthalmology’s most influential leaders. Subscribe to the OIS podcast today!

In this double-feature episode of the OIS Eye on Innovation Podcast, Carey Powers highlights the invaluable resources and expertise within the OIS community, showcasing the power of cross-collaboration and strategic foresight in biotech.

Part 1:
Dr. Francis Lasowski (C20/20 Innovation Hub) and Dr. Wendy Naimark (Ripple Therapeutics) discuss their long-standing partnership, which has propelled Ripple's success through groundbreaking innovations, including dry AMD research and key advancements in IP management. Learn how the Innovation Hub provides early-stage companies with critical resources to navigate the challenges of development and commercialization.

Part 2:
Tracy Valorie, a biotech and pharma veteran, explains why early commercial strategy is the key to success. From understanding market access and reimbursement to planning for manufacturing readiness, Tracy shares actionable tips for startups to avoid costly mistakes and maintain a commercial mindset throughout product development.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How partnerships, like C20/20 and Ripple Therapeutics, foster early-stage breakthroughs.
• The role of innovation hubs in overcoming funding and IP challenges.
• Why a commercial strategy must start at the angel investing stage.
• How to integrate market research and manufacturing readiness into development plans.
• The power of collaboration and strategic foresight to accelerate biotech success.

Discover how cross-industry partnerships and early commercial planning can bridge the "valley of death" in biotech. Tune in to this episode and leverage the collective wisdom of the OIS community!

In this episode of The Rob and Jai Show from OIS XIV, hosts Dr. Rob Rothman and Dr. Jai Parekh talk with Eric Schlumpf, CEO of Stuart Therapeutics, about the company’s transformative approach to ophthalmic diseases. Learn how Stuart's innovative polypeptide technology repairs damaged collagen, advancing from dry eye to neuroprotection in glaucoma and beyond. Eric highlights key milestones, including promising clinical trial results, strategic partnerships, and the company’s plans to tackle major unmet needs like myopia and inherited retinal diseases.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Stuart Therapeutics’ polypeptide platform is revolutionizing ophthalmic treatments.
• The potential for neuroprotection in glaucoma and what makes Stuart’s approach unique.
• Why Stuart’s dry eye clinical program could be a market differentiator.
• The exciting data supporting new indications like myopia and inherited retinal disease.
• How strategic partnerships are fueling innovation in a capital-efficient way.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on the cutting edge of ophthalmic innovation, and find out why Stuart Therapeutics is one of the hottest companies to watch in ophthalmology.

Carey Powers caught up with five innovative companies at this years OIS XIV in San Diego, to discuss the latest advancements in ophthalmology on the OIS podcast.

Topics included touchless laser therapy for presbyopia, extending the duration of intravitreal treatments, next-generation tear fluid testing, and new imaging methodologies for vitreoretinal conditions. Guests include:

• Alex Lopez, Chief Commercial Officer - Ace Vision Group
• Houman Hemmati, MD, PhD, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer - Optigo Biotherapeutics
• Leanne Lavriola, DO, MBA, President & CEO - InnSight Technology
• Nir Katchinskiy, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder - PulseMedica

In this episode, listen in as Dr. Robert Rothman speaks with Dr. Daniel Brocks, CMO of BostonSight! They discuss the unique PROSE lenses that are redefining corneal care and how BostonSight’s nonprofit mission is making advanced treatments accessible to more patients. Key takeaways include:

• PROSE Lenses: Customized scleral lenses that protect, hydrate, and restore vision for complex eye conditions.
• Increased Accessibility: BostonSight’s new tech-driven approach to simplify lens fitting for broader use.
• Mission-Driven Impact: How BostonSight reinvests revenue to offer free care and support for patients in need.

Join us to learn more about these innovations and the future of specialty eye care—tune in now!

In this episode of the OIS Retina Podcast, Firas Rahhal sits down with Jean-Pierre Hubschman, CEO of Horizon Surgical, to discuss the revolutionary advancements in robotic eye surgery. Highlights include:

• The development of the "IRISS" robotic platform and its focus on cataract surgery.
• Insights into AI-driven precision, decision-making, and visualization in surgery.
• Challenges of transitioning from academia to a successful medtech startup.
• Future potential for robotics in glaucoma, retina, and other ophthalmic procedures.

Listen now to hear how AI and robotics are transforming eye surgery!

In this episode of the OIS Podcast, host Rob Rothman sits down with Jay Cormier, CEO of Eyedaptic, to explore innovative solutions for individuals with vision loss. They discuss Eyedaptic's groundbreaking technology and its impact on enhancing daily life for those with visual impairments.

Key Highlights:

• Insight into the inspiration behind Eyedaptic and its mission to improve independence for the visually impaired.
• Overview of the EYE5 product, an augmented reality solution that enhances mobility and connection to the environment.
• Discussion on the recent launch of Ivy, an AI visual assistant that transforms user interaction with their surroundings.
• Importance of targeted marketing and in-person demos for increasing accessibility to Eyedaptic’s products.

Join us to discover how Eyedaptic is revolutionizing the way we think about vision care!

In this week’s OIS Podcast episode, Host Dr. Robert Rothman sits down with Almog Aley-Raz, CEO of CorNeat Vision, for a fascinating discussion. They cover:

• Almog’s career journey from Israel to the U.S.
• How a mountain biking trip with an ophthalmologist sparked the idea for CorNeat Vision
• Corneal blindness as a global issue and the need for better solutions, especially in regions with limited donor tissue and trained surgeons
• CorNeat's groundbreaking synthetic cornea, made with their unique material, Avatrix, which offers exciting potential for restoring vision
• Applications of Avatrix beyond ophthalmology, including maxillofacial and dental procedures

Tune in now to learn more!