Fortrea and Belite Bio talk innovation in ophthalmology trials
Recruiting and retaining patients for ophthalmology clinical trials presents unique challenges, from strict eligibility requirements to the burdens faced by those with vision impairments. In a Fierce Pharma interview, Lisa Liang, senior director of clinical operations at Belite Bio, and Tanya Richardson, strategy head for ophthalmology and neuroscience at Fortrea, outlined how their organizations are tackling these hurdles through patient-friendly materials, caregiver engagement, travel support and real-world data to guide recruitment. Their collaboration leverages Fortrea’s decades of ophthalmology experience and global reach to expand trial access.
Looking ahead, both leaders highlighted advances reshaping the field. Richardson pointed to the growing role of artificial intelligence in reducing screen failure rates and streamlining ocular imaging analysis, while Liang emphasized the promise of gene and cell therapies alongside digital tools like home-based retinal monitoring. With Belite Bio advancing an oral treatment for Stargardt disease and Fortrea continuing to expand its global footprint, both see innovation and patient focus as central to bringing breakthrough therapies to market.
Recruiting and retaining patients for ophthalmology clinical trials presents unique challenges, from strict eligibility requirements to the burdens faced by those with vision impairments. In a Fierce Pharma interview, Lisa Liang, senior director of clinical operations at Belite Bio, and Tanya Richardson, strategy head for ophthalmology and neuroscience at Fortrea, outlined how their organizations are tackling these hurdles through patient-friendly materials, caregiver engagement, travel support and real-world data to guide recruitment. Their collaboration leverages Fortrea’s decades of ophthalmology experience and global reach to expand trial access.
Looking ahead, both leaders highlighted advances reshaping the field. Richardson pointed to the growing role of artificial intelligence in reducing screen failure rates and streamlining ocular imaging analysis, while Liang emphasized the promise of gene and cell therapies alongside digital tools like home-based retinal monitoring. With Belite Bio advancing an oral treatment for Stargardt disease and Fortrea continuing to expand its global footprint, both see innovation and patient focus as central to bringing breakthrough therapies to market.