EYE NEWS MEDIA

MEETING REPORTER Tom Pace spoke with industry leader Jim Mazzo as he shares his excitement about ENCELTO, Neurotech’s breakthrough encapsulated cell-based gene therapy designed to slow the progression of #Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) — a rare and currently untreatable retinal disease. Mazzo praises Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for bringing innovation to an area with urgent unmet need, and recognizes the impact this advancement could have for retinal surgeons and, most importantly, for patients. #aao #ascrs #escrs #ophthalmology #retina #eyesurgeon

MEETING REPORTER at AAO Orlando: Anand Sundaram, Vice President, Head of Commercial, shares how SpyGlass Pharma, Inc. Pharma is redefining sustained drug delivery in ophthalmology.  “Spyglass Pharma is a sustained drug delivery company focused on tackling a range of chronic eye conditions. Our lead program targets patients with open-angle #glaucoma or ocular #hypertension at the time of #cataract surgery.” The company’s lead innovation — the Bimatoprost IOL drug delivery system (BIM IOL) — integrates Bimatoprost directly onto the haptics of a standard monofocal IOL, seamlessly implanted during routine cataract surgery. ✅ No additional surgical steps ✅ No extra incisions or instruments ✅ Accessible to all cataract surgeons 24-month results from Spyglass Pharma’s first-in-human study: - 42% reduction in mean intraocular pressure from baseline - 100% of patients achieved 20/30 vision or better - 100% of patients remained drop-free after 24 months “At Spyglass, we’re creating a future where patients can see clearly — and live drop free.” #Ophthalmology #Glaucoma #CataractSurgery #DrugDelivery #Innovation #EyeCare #SpyglassPharma #BimatoprostIOL

MEETING REPORTER AAO 2025: For two decades, Neel Desai, MD has been a strong advocate for cryopreserved amniotic membranes — and a skeptic of dehydrated ones. But that changed when he began using a Decellularized Basement Membrane from DefEYE, Inc. “I came to it with an equal amount of skepticism,” Dr. Desai admits. “What I immediately noticed was that I was getting clinical outcomes just as good — if not faster — and patients were far more comfortable.” Patients reported less pain, easier self-care, and faster recovery, while Dr. Desai observed consistent, high-quality outcomes. “When you can combine great clinical results with a better patient experience, that’s meaningful. That’s what makes a product here to stay.” #aao #ascrs #escrs #membrane #ophthalmology #eyedoctor

MEETING REPORTER: At the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Jerry St. Peter, CEO of PolyActiva Pty Ltd, shared exciting updates on the company’s momentum heading into 2026. PolyActiva is redefining ophthalmic drug delivery with its proprietary Prezia™ polymeric pro-drug technology — a micro implant designed to deliver sustained therapy every 6 months as a chronic dosing treatment for glaucoma patients. PolyActiva is also in clinical development for a 12 month micro implant. Their Phase 2A glaucoma trial has shown strong results, and enrollment is now underway for Phase 2B, with expansion into diabetic macular edema also on the horizon. #AAO #ASCRS #ESCRS #OPHTHALMOLOGY #GLAUCOMA Key milestones for 2025 include: ✅ $25 million in new capital raised ✅ New U.S.-based executive leadership team ✅ Ongoing development of a robust drug-delivery pipeline

MEETING REPORTER: At the #Eyecelerator meeting in Orlando, Dr. Mark Packer shared his perspective on how artificial intelligence is reshaping both #clinical practice and research in #ophthalmology. “#AI is the number one agenda item on the planet today — and in ophthalmology, many of us are already using it every day.” Dr. Packer highlighted Open Evidence (https://lnkd.in/dMXpwznn), an AI tool developed in Cambridge, MA, that sources only peer-reviewed clinical data — allowing doctors to query complex clinical scenarios and receive scientifically sound insights. Unlike large language models that pull from the open internet, Open Evidence delivers answers grounded in verified medical research. He also discussed a groundbreaking collaboration with Amaros AI, which uses AI integrated with electronic health records (#EHRs) to identify qualified patients for #clinical trials in #retina studies — including #geographic atrophy, #neovascularization, and diabetic #retinopathy. “What used to take weeks of chart reviews can now be done in under 30 seconds,” said Dr. Packer. “This isn’t hype — it’s reality.” AI is not just a buzzword; it’s accelerating the discovery of new treatments and improving patient care in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago. #Eyecelerator #Ophthalmology #ArtificialIntelligence #ClinicalResearch #EyeCareInnovation #EYEnewsMedia #DigitalHealth #AAO #ESCRS #ASCRS

MEETING REPORTER Tom Pace attended a special event in Orlando, Sean Ianchulev MD MPH, Chairman of the Board and CMO of Iantrek, welcomed attendees to celebrate the launch of AlloFlo™ Uveo — marking a bold step forward in biointerventional glaucoma surgery. Dr. Ianchulev reflected on what it truly takes to innovate: “Innovation doesn’t take a village — it takes a tribe. It’s a journey that demands courage, creativity, and resilience.” He shared how Iantrek’s vision goes beyond developing new products — it’s about creating a new category in ophthalmology, harnessing biologic materials like sclera to reshape the future of ocular outflow surgery. From AI-guided discovery to novel bioengineered technologies, Dr. Ianchulev reminded us that innovation has no boundaries — and the best ideas emerge when science, vision, and teamwork unite. Congratulations to Dr. Ianchulev and the Iantrek team on this exciting milestone! #Eyecelerator #Ophthalmology #Innovation #Glaucoma #AlloFloUveo #EYEnewsmedia #aao #ascrs #escrs

MEETING REPORTER EYECELERATOR: Hi everyone — Jim Mazzo here at Eyecelerator Academy 2025, one of my favorite events of the year. A big highlight this time: Glaukos Corporation is receiving the Innovator Award. I’m honored to interview Tom Burns and his incredible team — true pioneers who didn’t just develop a product, they created an entirely new market. It’s especially meaningful for me because Tom once worked with me at Allergan, and seeing how far he and the Glaukos team — including Chris Chris Calcaterra and others — have come is inspiring. Their vision, persistence, and leadership helped shape a new category in ophthalmology that continues to drive innovation today. Congratulations to Tom and the entire Glaukos team on this well-deserved recognition! 👏 #Eyecelerator #Ophthalmology #Innovation #Leadership #Glaukos #aao #escrs #ascrs #glaucoma

MEETING REPORTER Eyecelerator: What drives real value in ophthalmic innovation and acquisition? During this dynamic panel moderated by Drs. Robert Avery and Rajesh Rajpal, leaders from Alcon, Ocular Therapeutix, Leerink Partners, EyeBio (Merck), Roche,and Astellas shared firsthand perspectives on how to navigate the complex journey from startup innovation to strategic acquisition. Key Takeaway Pearls: 1. Build to go long. Successful exits often come to companies designed to reach approval and commercialization—not those built solely for sale. A solid, independent growth plan increases both leverage and valuation. 2. Relationships drive deals. M&A in ophthalmology isn’t an auction—it’s a relationship game. Cultivate trust with potential acquirers years in advance; most large deals evolve from longstanding engagement, not quick negotiations. 3. Timing is everything. Offers that come too early—or before key data readouts—can hinder long-term value. Companies should have their “house in order” (board, data, legal, alignment) so they can move quickly when the timing is right. 4. Data wins. Decision-making must be driven by strong, clean, reproducible data. Strategics emphasized that clarity in the science and development plan is the foundation of any deal conversation. 5. Strategic fit matters. Corporates like Alcon, Roche, and Astellas look for alignment in three areas: cutting-edge science, complementary capabilities, and cultural fit. Early, open dialogue helps ensure both sides share a common vision. 6. Bankers add value—at the right moment. Investment bankers can help maximize outcomes once a serious offer or term sheet is on the table. However, premature formal involvement can disrupt early, collegial relationship-building with strategics. 7. Capital strength equals leverage. Companies that raise capital prior to acquisition tend to command stronger valuations—showing the ability to “go it alone” if needed. The consensus: the ophthalmic ecosystem has never been stronger. Innovation is thriving, collaboration is key, and those who combine vision, timing, and trusted relationships are best positioned to create lasting value. #Ophthalmology #Innovation #Biotech #MedTech #MergersAndAcquisitions #Leadership #Investing #EyeCare #LifeSciences #aao #escrs #ascrs

MEETING REPORTER Live from Orlando — Iantrek CEO Adam Szaronos invites all physicians managing glaucoma patients or performing MIGS to our signature event at AAO 2025, Saturday at 6:30 PM, Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Discover what makes Iantrek and AlloFlo Uveo™ unique, celebrate our first 3,000 U.S. cases, and connect with leading investigators and our founder,  Dr. Sean Ianchulev MD MPH — with special host Dr. Glaucomflecken bringing his signature wit. Learn how Iantrek is helping surgeons re-engage the uveoscleral pathway for natural outflow enhancement — especially for post-#MIGS patients facing waning efficacy. Don’t miss this milestone moment in #glaucoma innovation. See you Saturday night at #AAO!

ESCRS MEETING REPORTER: Keith Barton, MD, from Moorfields Eye Hospital, explains how the Calibreye TGT System is designed to redefine sub-conjunctival glaucoma surgery.   Calibreye is a titratable drainage system that allows surgeons to adjust intraocular pressure postoperatively. Using a simple clinic-based laser adjustment, surgeons can fine-tune flow—lowering pressure if too high, or raising it if too low—without requiring more invasive procedures. This innovation can deliver unprecedented flexibility and control in managing IOP and reduce the unpredictability that can be present in the early postoperative period. #glaucoma #ophthalmology #aao #escrs #ascrs