Thomas A. Ciulla, M.D.

10/30/2025

Presenting at the Real-World Data Ophthalmology Summit. https://realworlddatasummit.com/

I have published real-world data analyses demonstrating high unmet need in common causes of vision loss, including , and . I am currently working with a company to develop a dual-pathway for that builds on complement pathways and adds neuroprotection, targeting functional benefit.

"The Real World Data in Ophthalmology Summit addresses the methodology of real-world studies, highlight sources for these studies to be completed, and to demonstrate best practices that both researchers, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies can achieve."

09/25/2025

In the current issue, Thomas A. Ciulla, MD, reviews how suprachoroidal injections provide a targeted route for various therapies. Read more: https://ow.ly/gglJ50WYHn8

09/23/2025

Honored to speak at the 6th Gene Therapy for Ophthalmic Disorders Summit this December in Raleigh, NC:

I will present "Developing Dual-Acting Gene Therapy to Combat Geographic Atrophy & Prevent AMD Progression", sharing research on a first-in-class bicistronic platform.

This is a novel approach combining neuroprotection and complement modulation to address the significant unmet need in , with potential gene-agnostic extension to . This dual-pathway strategy offers potential advantages over current single-target therapies.

This summit brings together the leading voices working to restore vision through genetic medicine, from regulatory strategy to clinical translation.

Looking forward to sharing our learnings and connecting with fellow innovators advancing this transformative field.

Check out the full agenda: https://lnkd.in/gWw-tMdv

09/18/2025

Excited to share this latest publication reviewing the remarkable evolution of suprachoroidal in this month’s Retinal Physician.

As one who helped develop ® - the first FDA-approved therapy - & other suprachoroidal therapies in clinical trials, it is gratifying to see how this innovative approach has catalyzed an entire platform of promising new treatments.

What began as a novel concept for delivering medications to the has blossomed into multiple clinical programs targeting major causes of loss.

The suprachoroidal space is now being investigated for:
—Next-generation for
—Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor for macular edema
— for &
—Virus-like drug conjugates for choroidal melanoma

This global adoption & continued reaffirms that persistence & scientific collaboration can open entirely new therapeutic frontiers. Most importantly, this technology is helping patients across continents, validating years of R & D that made suprachoroidal delivery a clinical reality.

Grateful to all researchers, clinicians & industry partners who have helped advance this field. The future of ocular drug delivery looks brighter than ever!

Clinical data support this targeted route for small molecules, gene therapy, and oncologic agents, with a good safety profile and potential to reduce treatment burden.

09/06/2025

Incredible week of scientific exchange with brilliant colleagues at European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA) in Paris! And special thanks to Keith Barton and Kuldev Singh for organizing and asking me to present at the Retina Futures Forums!

Our research demonstrates the potential for preserving cells critical for , moving beyond current treatments for that only slow disease.

08/10/2025

Our research team received a Top Ten Poster award at the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting for work analyzing over 18,000 eyes with geographic atrophy.

Our research on "Real-World Clinical Outcomes in Geographic Atrophy" analyzed over 18,000 & revealed critical insights: patients lose an average of 2-3 lines of visual acuity within 3 years, & nearly 1 in 5 develop wet , highlighting the urgent need for disease-modifying treatments.

These real-world outcomes underscore why we must continue advancing innovative approaches for patients facing this sight-threatening condition. Current therapies show only modest benefits, emphasizing the critical need for breakthrough treatments.

Understanding these findings helps us better counsel patients and drives our commitment to pushing the boundaries of retinal medicine.

Full paper at https://journals.lww.com/retinajournal/fulltext/2025/02000/three_year_clinical_outcomes_in_geographic.3.aspx

08/10/2025

Honored to present recently at OIS Retina Ophthalmology Innovation Source on breakthrough approaches to , a leading cause of irreversible loss.

Our research demonstrates the potential for preserving cells critical for vision, moving beyond current treatments for that only slow disease progression.

Geographic atrophy patients currently face limited options, with existing treatments showing ~25% slowing of progression over two years. The urgent need for disease-modifying approaches drives our commitment to advancing innovative solutions.

As retina specialists, we must continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible for our patients facing sight-threatening conditions.

07/22/2025

Excited to share our latest publication, comprehensively reviewing biologic therapies for neuro-ophthalmic conditions! Over the past decade, we have witnessed incredible in targeted therapeutic approaches for autoimmune ophthalmic disorders.

Our review explores how complex immunologic mechanisms drive conditions like eye disease , optic neuritis, and , examining targeted therapeutic approaches including IGF-1R antagonism, FcRn targeting, IL-6 inhibition, B-cell depletion, T-cell modulation, and complement inhibition.

We are are extending these therapeutic principles to , where complement dysregulation also drives . The convergence of , , and is creating unprecedented opportunities to restore sight as we build on and go beyond complement inhibition with a multi-pathway gene therapy approach that has potential to preserve both retinal anatomy and visual function in . This gene therapy approach could potentially transform treatment from frequent injections to a single administration.

hashtag

Autoimmune neuro-ophthalmic disorders encompass a diverse array of conditions, including thyroid eye disease (TED), myasthenia gravis (MG), optic neuropathy due to giant cell arteritis (GCA), and o...

07/15/2025

Just coauthored this article with my favorite Ophthalmologist…

Several companies are sponsoring clinical development of optogenetic therapies, each with distinct approaches and technologies.

07/02/2025

Excited to share our latest publication in Expert Review of Ophthalmology: "Thyroid Eye Disease: Revolutionizing Treatment with IGF-1 Receptor Targeted Therapy" - exploring how targeted biologic therapies have transformed this debilitating autoimmune disorder.

Our review examines the breakthrough discovery of IGF-1R/TSHR receptor cross-talk and how targeted therapy with this approach directly impacts disease mechanisms rather than just managing symptoms like traditional corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

Over the past decade, we have witnessed amazing advances in such targeted therapeutic approaches for neurologic and ophthalmic disorders. This progress has been fueled by increased collaboration among academia, industry, and clinical researchers. I feel privileged to have contributed to the development of some of these therapies.

Published in Expert Review of Ophthalmology (Ahead of Print, 2025)

04/30/2025

Our recent study of ~19K eyes was highlighted in RETINA SPECIALIST, a widely circulated journal.

Patients with "dry" (geographic atrophy ) lose 2-3 lines of by 36 months & ~20% convert to more aggressive "wet" .

Retina Specialist focuses on the latest advances in the diagnosis, medical management and surgical treatment of diseases of the retina, along with practical, real-world advice from leading clinicians and other experts on managing the successful retina practice.

04/25/2025

Patients with dry (geographic atrophy, ) lose 2 to 3 lines of vision by 36 months, & ~20% convert to more aggressive wet !

Our recent study on dry analyzing 19K patient eyes shows significant loss & wet conversion risks in .

Two FDA-approved inhibitors ( & ) slow progression, but novel strategies are still needed.

as 78.6 years (SD = 7.9) and mean visual acuity was 67.5 letters (SD = 13.0, Snellen equivalent 20/45). In total, 18.9% of eyes developed nAMD within 36 months. Eyes with fellow-eye nAMD developed nAMD at over twice the rate of eyes with fellow-eye GA (relative risk 2.34, 95% confidence interval [2....