Episode 43: Drug Development Process for Glaucoma Eye Drops ft. Dr. Gary Novack

In this episode, Dr. Mona Kaleem speaks with Dr. Ethan Lester, a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology in Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School who works with patients at Mass Eye and Ear navigating chronic eye disease and vision loss. Together, they discuss the bi-directional relationship between chronic eye conditions (such as glaucoma) and mental health and the impact they each have on the other. The discussion also covers the importance and availability of services designed to support mental wellbeing, what those services/sessions look like, and how patients can access them. Please visit www.ethanlesterphd.com to learn more about Dr. Lester’s work.

In this episode, Dr. Mona Kaleem speaks with Dr. Sandra Sieminski, a glaucoma specialist and expert in laser-based glaucoma surgery, who currently serves as Interim Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University at Buffalo’s Ross Eye Institute. Together, they explore cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) and its evolution from traditional transscleral approaches to modern micropulse laser techniques. Their discussion covers the history of CPC, glaucoma types most appropriate for the procedure, potential risks and complications, anesthesia options for the procedure, and essential aspects of post-procedural care. Check out Dr. Sieminski's work at https://medicine.buffalo.edu/faculty/profile.html?ubit=sandrafe

In this episode, Dr. Mona Kaleem interviews Dr. Reena Garg, a glaucoma specialist and clinician-educator in Rockville, Maryland. They discuss the XEN Gel Stent—a newer surgical option—and contrast it with traditional trabeculectomy. The conversation covers differences in candidacy for each procedure, their respective advantages and limitations, and the differences in postoperative recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Harry Quigley interviews Dr. Bryce Chiang, a clinician-scientist at the Wilmer Eye Institute who studies glaucoma pathogenesis and treatment from a biomedical-engineering perspective. They discuss how the biomechanics of the sclera—the eye’s white outer layer—may influence Glaucoma development. They also talk about Dr. Chiang’s ongoing research in drug delivery to the eye, neuro-scleral protection, and the development of treatments that can prevent Glaucoma damage by adjusting ocular biomechanics.

In this episode, Dr. Quigley interviews Dr. Aakriti Garg Shukla, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center. They discuss clinical trials investigating the role of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and pyruvate in preventing retinal damage in glaucoma. 

In this episode, Dr. Kaleem interviews Delcora Huggins, a 3rd year medical student conducting research in Ophthalmology. They discuss barriers to glaucoma medication adherence and common problems that patients face while administering eye drops. They also discuss various solutions to address these problems, including optimal drop administering technique and 4 drop aids on the market (AutoDrop, AutoSqueeze, GentleDrop, NanoDropper).

In this episode, Dr. Kaleem interviews Dr. Leon W. Herndon Jr., MD about the importance of family history in the screening and treatment of glaucoma. In the latter half of the episode, they also discuss new initiatives to help improve glaucoma screening.

In this episode, Dr. Quigley interviews Dr. Gary Novack, PhD about the development and FDA approval process of eye drop medications for glaucoma. Towards the end of the podcast, they discuss the following article about recalled eye drops: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/fda-recalls-3-brands-of-eye-drops-what-patients-need-to-know-/2023/03 

In this episode, Dr. Quigley talks with Dr. David Friedman, MD, PhD, about his research on angle closure glaucoma and how to best treat it. Dr. Friedman is the Alfred and Diane Kaneb Chair in Ophthalmology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and the Director of the Glaucoma Division at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Institute. 

In this episode, Dr. Kaleem talks with Dr. Jennifer Thorne about uveitis (inflammation of the eye) and how it can lead to glaucoma. Jennifer Thorne, M.D., Ph.D., is the Cross Family Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, where she is also chief of the Division of Ocular Immunology