Explore the Agenda
8:00 am Check-in, Coffee & Light Breakfast
Workshop A
9:00 am Mastering Toxicology Strategy for Ophthalmic Products to Accelerate Path to the Clinic
Gain the critical insights needed to design toxicology programs that satisfy regulatory requirements while minimizing delays and costs. This collaborative workshop brings together toxicologists, regulatory experts, and preclinical specialists to help you navigate the complexities of safety assessment for novel ophthalmic delivery systems.
This workshop will gather experts to discuss:
- Master the selection of appropriate animal models (rabbits, non-human primates, mini pigs) and understand when each species provides the most predictive safety data for your specific formulation
- Learn how to structure GLP and non-GLP studies to de-risk your program, avoid costly FDA rejections, and determine the optimal timing for regulatory submission of your toxicology protocols
- Discover strategies to assess inflammation, immunogenicity, and ocular tissue damage for long-acting formulations, implants, and biologics while ensuring your safety package translates effectively to human trials
11:00 am Morning Break & Networking
Workshop B
11:30 am Integrating Formulation, Device, & Human Factors from Day One to Build Winning Cross-Functional Teams
Transform your development timeline by learning how leading companies align formulation scientists, device engineers, and human factors specialists from the earliest stages. This interactive roundtable helps you break down silos and establish collaborative workflows that prevent costly late-stage redesigns.
This workshop will gather experts to discuss:
- Understand which critical device and usability considerations must inform your formulation strategy from concept phase to ensure injectability, patient comfort, and clinical adoption
- Explore real-world case studies showing how early integration of CMC, sterilization requirements, and manufacturing constraints saves time and capital while improving product performance
- Develop actionable frameworks for bringing clinician perspectives into your design process, ensuring your product fits seamlessly into retinal specialist workflows and maximizes market acceptance
1:30 pm Lunch Break & Networking
Workshop C
2:30 pm Understanding What Investors & Pharma Partners Want to See in Ophthalmic Programs
This workshop aims to bring together venture investors and pharmaceutical partnering leaders to provide practical guidance on building compelling investment packages and partnership opportunities. Navigate today’s challenging funding landscape by understanding exactly what venture capitalists and pharmaceutical partners evaluate when considering ophthalmic drug delivery investments.
This workshop will gather experts to discuss:
- Learn what data packages, intellectual property positions, and team capabilities pharma partners require for early-stage deals, including insights from companies that have secured partnerships before entering the clinic
- Discover how to position your program to attract investment in an environment where mega-rounds dominate and capital for smaller raises is increasingly scarce
- Gain strategies for demonstrating your technology’s commercial viability, addressing reimbursement considerations, and articulating clear paths to market that resonate with both investors and strategic partners