French move to strengthen research into eye diseases

The Institut de la Vision, a French research center exclusively dedicated to eye diseases, has been the industry's benchmark on vision-related issues since its opening in March 2008. Consequently, it attracts a large number of industrialists looking to test the therapeutic effectiveness of their molecules intended to fight blindness. Thus, Iris Pharma, an independent contract research organization, has taken the step of joining forces with the Institut, with several objectives in mind: encourage industrial/academic cooperation, develop research programs and adapt certain specific procedures to the industrial field.

"Iris Pharma found it natural to become involved in a project of such scope and so promising in terms of research and advances in eye diseases. It was natural for our company - a specialist in preclinical studies and clinical trials in ophthalmology - to become one of the Institut de la Vision's preferred partners," said Pierre-Paul Elena, chief executive and founder of the CRO.

With close to 20 years of experience in ophthalmology, the French CRO has a unique proficiency and knowledge of all the stages involved in developing eye medication: formulation and research in vivo, Phase I to IV clinical trials, medico-marketing surveys, etc, the firm claims. Iris Pharma has already gained the trust of the largest pharmaceutical laboratories and of the most up-to-date biotechnology companies it notes.