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Podcast

Ophthalmology Perspectives Podcast

Episode 1: Patient Recruitment in Ophthalmology Trials

Topics: In this conversation today, we're going to dive into the evolving landscape of patient recruitment in ophthalmology and explore how Belite Bio and Fortrea are collaborating to overcome protocol complexities, and discuss the unique opportunities Asia PAC represents for ocular development. We'll also look ahead to the most promising trends shaping the future of ophthalmology trials.

Host: Amber Burg

Participants:

  • Tanya Richardson Fortrea’s Therapeutic Strategy Head for Neuroscience and Ophthalmology
  • Lisa Liang, Senior Director of Clinical Operations at Belite Bio.

Episode 2: Ophthalmology Trials at the Leeds CRU

Description: In today’s episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Phase 1 clinical research at Fortrea’s Leeds clinical research unit in the UK. We explore the operational challenges and innovative solutions behind a recent, complex ophthalmology clinical trial.

Host: Amber Burg

Participants:

  • Warren Edwicker, Director of Clinic Operations at Fortrea’s Leeds CRU
  • Natalie Wood, Clinical Research Associate, Leeds UK

Episode 3: Gene Therapy, Patient-Centric Operations, and Risk-Benefit Challenges in Phase 1 Ophthalmology Trials

Description: Today we explore the unique challenges and opportunities in Phase 1 ophthalmology clinical trials, focusing on gene therapy and inherited retinal diseases.

Host: Amber Burg

Participants:

  • David Hoelscher, Senior Medical Director, Ophthalmology
  • Sarah Bolger-Ford, PhD, Senior Delivery Director, Strategic Delivery and Growth

References:

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  9. Reichel FF, Seitz I, Wozar F, et al. (2023). Development of retinal atrophy after subretinal gene therapy. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 107, 1331–1335.
  10. Scruggs BA, Berger A, et al. (2025). Retinal gene therapy using epiretinal AAV. Science Advances. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adv7922
  11. World Health Organization. (2022). Global regulatory framework for cell and gene therapy products. WHO Document
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  13. Brar AS, Parameswarappa DC, Takkar, et al. (2024). Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases. Ophthalmology and Therapy, 13, 21–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-023-00862-2
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