SPONSORS
Elite Sponsors
Aerie Pharmaceuticals
Aerie is an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class therapies for the treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma, retinal diseases and other diseases of the eye. Aerie's first product, Rhopressa® (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02%, a once-daily eyedrop approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, was launched in the United States in April 2018. In clinical trials of Rhopressa®, the most common adverse reactions were conjunctival hyperemia, corneal verticillata, instillation site pain, and conjunctival hemorrhage. More information about Rhopressa®, including the product label, is available at www.rhopressa.com. Aerie’s second product for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, Rocklatan™ (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.02%/0.005%, the first and only fixed-dose combination of Rhopressa® and the widely-prescribed PGA (prostaglandin analog) latanoprost, has been approved by the FDA and is expected to be launched in the United States in the second quarter of 2019. In clinical trials of Rocklatan™ the most common adverse reactions were conjunctival hyperemia, corneal verticillata, instillation site pain, and conjunctival hemorrhage. More information about Rocklatan™ including the product label, is available at www.rocklatan.com. Aerie continues to focus on global expansion and the development of additional product candidates and technologies in ophthalmology, including for wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Aerie is headquartered in Durham, NC.
Alcon
Alcon, the global leader in eye care, provides innovative products that enhance quality of life by helping people worldwide see better. Through Surgical, Pharmaceutical and Vision Care, Alcon offers the world’s widest spectrum of ophthalmic products, helping millions of patients see the world better with clarity, color and beauty.
Johnson & Johnson Vision
Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to improving and restoring sight for patients worldwide. Through their world-leading ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses portfolio, newly acquired cataract surgery, laser refractive surgery (LASIK) and consumer eye health businesses, they now serve more than 60 million patients a day across 103 countries. Dual headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and Santa Ana, California, Johnson & Johnson Vision has more than 8,400 employees worldwide.
Novartis
Novartis is a leading ophthalmology company, with therapies that treat both front and back of the eye disorders, including retina diseases, glaucoma, dry eye and other external eye diseases. In 2016, approximately 200 million patients worldwide were treated with Novartis ophthalmic products.
Carl Zeiss Meditec
Carl Zeiss Meditec, a world-leading medical technology company, supplies innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions designed to help doctors improve the quality of life of their patients. It provides complete solutions for diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, innovative visualization solutions for microsurgery, and promising, future-oriented technologies such as intraoperative radiotherapy.
Premier Sponsors
Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight. Bausch + Lomb is a global hallmark for innovation and quality, offering the widest and finest range of eye health products including ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments.
Shire
Shire is the leading global biotechnology company focused on serving people with rare diseases and other highly specialized conditions.
Major Sponsors
Allergan
Allergan (NYSE: AGN) is a unique, global pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing high quality generic and innovative branded pharmaceutical products for patients around the world. The Company has approximately 30,000 employees worldwide and maintains global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty biopharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing innovative ophthalmic products in indications with high unmet medical need to help improve the lives of patients with serious eye disorders. The Company has developed 5 FDA-approved sustained-release treatments in ophthalmology. DEXYCU (dexamethasone intraocular suspension) 9% was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 9, 2018. YUTIQTM (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.18 mg, was FDA approved on October 12, 2018. ILUVIEN® (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.19 mg, a micro-insert licensed to Alimera Sciences, is currently sold directly in the U.S. and several EU countries. Retisert® (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.59 mg, an implant, is licensed to and sold by Bausch & Lomb. The Company’s pre-clinical development program is focused on using its core Durasert and Verisome Technology platforms to deliver drugs to treat wet age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, osteoarthritis, and other diseases.
Piper Jaffray
Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC) is a leading investment bank focused on mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, public finance, institutional brokerage, investment management and research. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis with offices across the U.S. and in London, Aberdeen, Zurich and Hong Kong.
Supporting Sponsors
Kala Pharmaceuticals
Kala is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics using its proprietary mucus-penetrating particle (MPP) technology, with an initial focus on the treatment of eye diseases. Kala has applied the MPP technology to a corticosteroid designed for ocular applications, resulting in two lead product candidates. The product candidates are INVELTYSTM (KPI-121 1%) for the treatment of inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, for which an NDA has been accepted for review by the FDA, and KPI-121 0.25% for the temporary relief of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.
Santen
As a specialty company dedicated to the ophthalmic field, Santen carries out research, development, marketing, and sales of pharmaceuticals. Santen is the market leader in Japan for prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and sells products in approximately 60 countries. As a leading company in the field of ophthalmology, Santen aims to contribute to society by supplying valuable products and services to satisfy unmet medical needs.
Innovation Sponsors
AcuFocus
AcuFocus, Inc., is a privately held ophthalmic medical device company that develops and markets breakthrough technologies for the improvement of vision. Our proven, proprietary technology platform uses a small aperture - or pinhole - effect to allow focused light rays to reach the retina and bring objects into focus. The result is unique, reliable and long-term. Designed specifically for patients with cataracts, the IC-8 IOL combines small aperture optics with the reliability of a monofocal IOL to provide an uninterrupted extended depth of focus. The lens received its CE mark in 2014 and is available in select markets across Europe and Asia. The IC-8 IOL is not currently approved in the United States. Founded in 2001, AcuFocus is based in Irvine, Calif. For additional information about the IC-8 intraocular lens, visit www.acufocus.com.
Allegro
Allegro Ophthalmics, LLC is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel anti-integrin therapies for the treatment of ocular diseases. Pre-clinical data suggest that risuteganib (Luminate®), Allegro’s lead investigational anti-integrin compound in retina, simultaneously acts on the angiogenic, inflammatory and mitochondrial metabolic pathways implicated in diseases such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (intermediate dry AMD). Risuteganib successfully completed two Phase 2 DME studies and is currently being evaluated in a US Phase 2 intermediate dry AMD study. Allegro is preparing to expand its anti-integrin portfolio into new ocular therapeutic areas.
Avedro
Avedro is a privately held pharmaceutical and medical device company advancing the science and technology of corneal cross-linking and refractive correction.
Eyenovia
Eyenovia is a late-stage ophthalmic biopharmaceutical company with a lead program for the prevention of myopia (nearsightedness) progression. Progressive myopia is a serious, site-threatening condition that may impact up to 5 million children in the United States, with similar numbers for Europe and many more in Asia. Through the use of our transformative ophthalmic delivery platform, Eyenovia is preparing a single, de-risked Phase 3 study of MicroPineTM that may lead to the first FDA-approved treatment for this condition.
Eyenovia makes new therapies possible. Our unique delivery platform uses breakthrough piezo-print technology for high-precision micro-dosing. Micro-dosing allows for fully effective therapies that may also avoid many tolerability and side-effect issues associated with traditional eye drop delivery.
Eyevance
Eyevance Pharmaceuticals is a Fort Worth, Texas based ophthalmic pharmaceutical company committed to advancing ocular health by developing and commercializing innovative and impactful products that enable optimal vision and better quality of life for all patients. Eyevance has established a portfolio of market-ready products and a pipeline of unique assets that address significant unmet needs, including rare diseases and orphan conditions, while also focusing on products with a legacy of proven safety and efficacy.About Eyevance Pharmaceuticals.
LensGen
LensGen, Inc. is an Irvine, California-based clinical stage company focused on bringing to market Juvene™, a potentially game changing presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL) for the treatment of cataracts and presbyopia. To date the company has raised $34 million from private and venture investors and is planning a significant Series B Financing in 2019 to complete the PMA study and develop a series of platform IOL products.
Juvene is the world’s first modular fluid optic IOL that uses biomimetic design principals to emulate the natural crystalline lens and provide a continuous range of vision, dynamically from distance to near with high quality optics. By filling the capsule, Juvene offers the promise to resolve many of the current cataract surgery compromises such as IOL shift and rotation, PCO and vitro-retinal tension.
Mati Therapetuics
Mati is developing the Evolute platform - a non-invasive sustained drug delivery platform using punctal plugs as a delivery device. Products using the Evolute system are being developed for glaucoma, dry eye, allergy and inflammation. In prior studies, the Stable Fit punctal plug design has shown retention rates of 92% and 96% over a 12 week follow up period. Mati is currently conducting a Phase II trial of nepafenac in patients undergoing cataract surgery and positive interim results were announced in September. Mati will soon be undertaking a study using travoprost in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension and further plans to develop a steroid for post-cataract inflammation. This technology platform is well-supported with 114 patents issued in major countries around the world.
Nicox
Nicox is an international ophthalmic company, with two out-licensed commercial-stage products, developing innovative solutions to help maintain vision and improve ocular health. The Company’s strategy is to maximise the potential of its proprietary nitric oxide (NO)-donating research platform and its products and product candidates through in-house development and industry-leading collaborations.
Novaliq
Novaliq is a pharmaceutical company for the development and commercialization of first- and best-in-class ocular therapeutics based on EyeSol®, the worldwide first water-free technology for ophthalmology.
With an initial focus on dry eye disease (DED), Novaliq offers an industry-leading portfolio addressing today’s unmet medical needs of millions of eye patients:
NovaTears® improves the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) and is marketed under CE-approval in Australia/New Zealand by AFT Pharmaceuticals and in Europe as EvoTears® by Ursapharm.
Two drugs are in the late stage of clinical development with results expected in Q3 2018:
- CyclASol®, an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drug for the treatment of DED with a demonstrated early onset of action and excellent tolerability, is being evaluated in the pivotal phase 2b/3 ESSENCE trial.
- NOV03, the first drug addressing evaporative DED associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), is being evaluated in the phase 2 SEECASE trial.
Headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, Novaliq has an office in Cambridge, MA, USA. The long-term shareholder is dievini Hopp BioTech Holding, an active investor in Life and Health Sciences companies.
Ocular Therapeutix
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (NASDAQ:OCUL) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the formulation, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for diseases and conditions of the eye using its proprietary bioresorbable hydrogel-based formulation technology. Our product pipeline candidates are designed to provide differentiated drug delivery solutions that reduce the complexity and burden of the current standard of care by creating sustained release alternatives. It is our intention to develop a product portfolio to overcome the issues of patient compliance and adherence by providing means of more consistent and reliable drug dosing.
Oyster Point Pharma
Oyster Point Pharma is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapies to treat ocular surface disease.
TopiVert
TopiVert is a privately owned London-based biotechnology company focused on the development of locally acting drugs to treat ocular diseases where inflammation is a major component. TopiVert’s proprietary locally acting Non-Systemic Kinase Inhibitor (NSKI) platform delivers broad anti-inflammatory action with minimal side effects via the inhibition of key intracellular kinases that regulate both innate and adaptive pathways .The pipeline includes lead compound, TOP1630 which is being evaluated in a Phase 2b/3 study for the treatment of dry eye disease which will read out in Q3 2019, and earlier stage pre-clinical assets being developed for back of the eye indications.
Trial Runners
Trial Runners is a global, niche ophthalmology CRO shaping the future of clinical trials to help others see the world. Founded in 2006, Trial Runners has worked as a partner on over 70 trials and helped over 10,000 patients on the mission to help improve the quality of life of those suffering from ophthalmology-related conditions around the globe. With offices in North Dakota, Texas, Switzerland, and Australia, Trial Runners is ready and able to work on any ophthalmology trial, anywhere in the world.
Utilizing customized strategies, Trial Runners is able to help the pharmaceutical community by providing unique value, innovation, and expertise. Our differentiator is our exceptional team of experts, ready to help our biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners bring their life-improving drugs, devices, and therapies to market.
Media Partners
Bryn Mawr Communications
Bryn Mawr Communications’ (BMC) eye care publications are uniquely positioned in ophthalmology to serve both physicians’ and industry’s needs.
Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today Europe, Glaucoma Today, Retina Today, MillennialEYE, and CollaborativeEYE showcase in-depth coverage of surgical approaches, device development, pharmacologic innovations, industry trends, and practice management.
By partnering with key opinion leaders, BMC’s eye care publications balance institutional wisdom with fresh perspectives through print magazines, an expansive video library, and timely news feeds. BMC’s in-house production team brings information directly to physicians through live meetings, simulcasted symposia, live surgeries, and more.
EyeWorld
As the news and feature magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, EyeWorld serves as the premier publication for anterior segment surgeons. The magazine provides comprehensive ophthalmic news and the latest clinical information in the areas of cataract, refractive, cornea, glaucoma, and retina. Each article is carefully reviewed by the editorial staff and the article’s sources before publication. EyeWorld Meeting Reporter/Video Reporter is produced live onsite and contains information on the latest cutting-edge technologies and techniques in the ophthalmic industry. The EyeWorld Education Hub is a new way to view content. Simply choose a disease state to view surgical videos, symposia, webinars, clinical interviews, and articles on that topic.
Healio
Healio.com, the online home of Ocular Surgery News, offers daily news updates, online-only content, extensive CME and specialized email News Wires. Download the new Healio.com/Ocular Surgery News App on iTunes- Search “Ocular Surgery News.” As the best-read newspaper for ophthalmologists, Ocular Surgery News holds a unique place among the eye care publications. With the largest dedicated staff focused solely on ophthalmology, OSN strives to bring our readers a deeper understanding of the news and events that affect their profession.
Ophthalmology Times
Ophthalmology Times is a physician-driven media brand that presents cutting-edge advancements and analysis from around the world in surgery, drug therapy, technology, and clinical diagnosis to elevate the delivery of progressive eye health from physician to patient. Ophthalmology Times’ vision is to be the leading content resource for ophthalmologists. Through its multifaceted content channels, Ophthalmology Times will assist physicians with the tools and knowledge necessary to provide advanced quality patient care in the global world of medicine.
The Ophthalmologist
Three key characteristics set The Ophthalmologist apart:
First, we tell stories. We’re able to tell some of the greatest stories in ophthalmology – straight from the people leading the work, in order to educate, inform, influence and entertain.
Second, we provide genuine insight. The team gets it. The Editorial team all have an academic biomedical research background, have written the papers and stood at the podium. We speak “doctor”, we “do” research.
Third, we engage with everyone. Insight comes from observation and conversation. We travel the world to meet and hear what ophthalmologists, entrepreneurs, key industry figures and policymakers have to say – and that’s directly reflected in the content.
Review of Ophthalmology
Review of Ophthalmology is a monthly publication featuring clinically relevant information on surgical technique, new technologies and disease diagnosis and management. Review presents timely articles on ophthalmic subspecialties, such as glaucoma, retina, refractive/cataract surgery, cornea and external disease, pediatric ophthalmology and ocuplastics, as well as current reports on news, regulatory issues, practice management, contact lenses and optical.
touchOPHTHALMOLOGY
touchOPHTHALMOLOGY.com is an independent information resource designed to support physicians, clinicians and related healthcare professionals in continuously developing their knowledge, effectiveness and productivity, with open access articles and multimedia content.
The US Ophthalmic Review is a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specializing in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of ophthalmology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting.
Supporting Organizations
Ethis
The mission of Ethis, Inc., is to facilitate global innovation in eyecare by providing strategic analysis, exceptional content across a wide range of media, and an extensive network of key ophthalmic and optometric opinion leaders to our industry and academic partners around the world.
GRF
Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) is a national nonprofit founded in 1978 in San Francisco to encourage innovative research toward better treatments for people with glaucoma. GRF has funded more than $50 million of grants and projects in 35 years. In addition to advancing innovation in glaucoma research, GRF provides education and support for people with glaucoma and sponsors catalyst meetings like the annual Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum to foster collaboration and speed the cure. The Glaucoma Research Foundation mission is to prevent vision loss from glaucoma by investing in innovative research, education, and support with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
Market Scope
Market Scope is the leading source for market data, independent perspective, and objective analysis in today’s ophthalmic marketplace.
Market Scope surveys ophthalmologists regarding procedure volumes, surgical techniques, and product use. This data, along with an extensive database, wide-ranging knowledge of ophthalmic products and technology, and comprehensive network of industry contacts, is used to create more than 20 specialized, yearly reports on the ophthalmic industry.
These reports are used to measure performance, make investment decisions, and allocate resources and serve as starting points for many annual planning cycles, strategic plans, acquisition analyses, and return on investment decisions in the industry. Market Scope has been committed to ophthalmology for more than 20 years and continues to be the most highly valued source for accurate and timely information about ophthalmic markets.
OWL
Advancing Diversity in Leadership. OWL is a 900+ member professional organization focused on leadership development. Our mission is to promote and develop diverse leadership to advance Ophthalmic Innovation and Patient Care. We hold local "OWL Connect" events, online learning sessions and Signature Events at ASCRS and AAO.
WIO
Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) is the premiere organization for women ophthalmologists aimed at promoting the personal and professional development of women. WIO serves to educate and provide networking opportunities for women ophthalmologists to sharpen their skills and move forward to change the demographics of leadership in ophthalmology. WIO has become an international organization with formal and informal chapters in multiple states and countries. WIO sponsors panels and functions at meetings throughout the world and the Summer Symposium this past summer had nearly 400 attendees from 6 different countries.