Clinical Trials at the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute

Our Clinical Research Department has been at the forefront of ophthalmic innovation for over 13 years, driving progress through more than 40 clinical trials.

Our clinical research program involves conducting FDA-regulated studies to evaluate new treatments for retinal diseases.

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a medical research study that evaluates whether a new medication, device, or treatment is safe and effective. Each study follows a detailed plan called a protocol which defines who may participate, what tests and visits are required, how treatments are given, and how results are measured.

All clinical trials are conducted under FDA regulations and reviewed by an independent ethics committee called an Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Participants must agree to adhere to protocol guidelines and sign consent.

Reasons People Participate in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials may offer an option for patients who have not achieved the desired outcomes with standard treatments. Some individuals also participate to support medical research and advance future treatment options for patients with similar conditions.

Each study has specific eligibility criteria based on factors such as age, diagnosis, disease stage, and medical history. These criteria ensure that studies are conducted safely and that results are scientifically reliable.

What to Expect When Exploring Clinical Research

If you contact us regarding clinical research, our team will:

  1. Review your eye condition and medical history
  2. Let you know whether any studies may be appropriate
  3. Add you to our research notifications list, if requested
  4. Contact you when new enrollment opportunities become available

*Participation in clinical research is always voluntary.

How Are Participants Protected?

Patient safety is the foundation of all clinical research. Participants are protected through:

  • FDA regulations governing all clinical trials
  • Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight
  • Detailed informed consent documents
  • Ongoing medical and safety monitoring

Active Clinical Studies:

EYP-1901-304 (CAPRI)
Sponsor: EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
A Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group study evaluating the safety and efficacy of EYP-1901, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, versus aflibercept (2 mg) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

MK-8748-002 (MALBEC)
Sponsor: Merck
A randomized, double-masked, multicenter, three-arm, pivotal Phase 2/3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of intravitreal (IVT) EYE201/MK-8748 compared with aflibercept (2 mg) in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Enrollment closed— open only to patients already participating:

ANX007-GA-02 (ARCHER II)
Sponsor: Annexon, Inc.
A Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled study evaluating ANX007 administered by intravitreal injection in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration.

4951-002 (KYOWA 002)
Sponsor: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.
A Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-masked study evaluating KHK4951, a VEGF receptor inhibitor, in patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration.

4951-003 (KYOWA 003)
Sponsor: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.
A Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-masked study evaluating KHK4951 in patients with diabetic macular edema.

EYP-1901-302 (LUCIA)
Sponsor: EyePoint Pharmaceuticals
A Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-masked study comparing EYP-1901, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, to aflibercept in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.

EYE-RES-103 (BAROLO)
Sponsor: Eyebiotech Ltd.
A Phase 2/3 randomized, double-masked study evaluating EYE103 compared with ranibizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema.

GR40550 (PAGODA)
Sponsor: Genentech, Inc.
A Phase III, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema.

ML43435 (ELEVATUM)
Sponsor: Genentech, Inc.
A Phase IV, multicenter, open-label study evaluating faricimab in patients who have never received treatment for diabetic macular edema.

EYE-RES-102 (BRUNELLO)
Sponsor: Eyebiotech Ltd.
A Phase 2/3, randomized, double-masked, multicenter clinical trial evaluating an investigational medication called EYE103. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of EYE103 to ranibizumab (0.5 mg) injections in patients with diabetic macular edema.

Are you interested in future opportunities?

If you’d like to learn more about participating in a clinical trial at Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, our clinical research team is here to support you.

Please contact:

  1. Noel Pereda, Clinical Research Manager ✆ 954-635-2861
  2. Nathalie Rodriguez, Research Patient Coordinator ✆ 954-635-2864
  3. Helen Aguilar, Clinical Research Coordinator ✆ 954-635-2862

You may also complete our Clinical Trial– Request More Information Form and a member of our research team will reach out when new enrollment opportunities become available.

Our research program partners with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to conduct advanced ophthalmology trials. Our experienced investigators, coordinators, and imaging specialists ensure that every study is conducted with accuracy, safety, and compassion.