OCULAB Teaming Profiles
Thank you for showing an interest in ARPA-H’s Ocular Laboratory for Analysis of Biomarkers (OCULAB) program. This page is designed to help facilitate connections between prospective proposers. If either you or your organization are interested in teaming, please submit your information via the portal linked below. Your details will then be added to the list below, which is publicly available.
OCULAB anticipates that teaming will be necessary to achieve the goals of the program. Prospective performers are encouraged (but not required) to form teams with varied technical expertise to submit a proposal to the OCULAB solicitation.
Please note that by publishing the teaming profiles list, ARPA-H is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals or organizations included here. Submissions to the teaming profiles list are reviewed and updated periodically.
Interested in learning more about the OCULAB program?
- Read the OCULAB solicitation.
- Register to attend the hybrid Proposers’ Day.
- OCULAB program overview page
OCULAB Teaming Profiles
To narrow the results in the Teaming Profiles List, please use the input below to filter results based on your search term. The list will filter as you type.
| Contact | Organization Name | Location | Description of Research Focus Area | Description of Teaming Partner | Technical Areas | |
| Guan Wang | AFFOA | gwang@affoa.org | Cambridge, MA | National Manufacturing Institute with a focus on advanced textile technologies. Research area focus includes advanced sensing, light & heat theraphy technology integrated into textile form factors. Fabric prototyping available at our facility along with electronics and soft system integration and product design. We also have 150 member network to bring a domestic supply chain to those working to accelerate a product's time to market. | Organizations provide tear biomarker sensor technology. Organizations with clinic expertise in treating ocular and systemic conditions. Medical device companies | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Stephen Chou | Princeton University | chou@princeton.edu | Princeton, NJ | Nano and Micro fluidic sensors and actuators. Various sensing and diagnostic technologies, machine learning in sensing and diagnostics, micro and nano-electrical and optics devices, image processing, | Partners who can enhance our expertise. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| James Friend | UC San Diego | jfriend@ucsd.edu | San Diego, CA | Our work uses very high frequency ultrasound in combination with other classic techniques to manipulate and pump fluid samples of as little as 100 fL in micro and nanofluidic devices, combined with ELISA and other diagnostic methods. | In the context of OCULAB, our team has unique ability to manipulate and maintain very small fluid samples such as those collected from human tears. We have partners at UC San Diego skilled in work with eyes (Shiley Institute) and already have ~500 human tear samples on hand. We seek partners in processing these samples to diagnose disease from these samples, either after collection or via an on-eye solution in partnership with us. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Dipanjan Pan | The Pennsylvania State University | dipanjan@psu.edu | State College, PA | Our primary objective is to standardize treatment options for dry eye, as well as for systemic diseases, based on objective measurements of tear fluid biomarkers. Through our innovative tear fluid analytic approach, we enable detection of hard-to-diagnose diseases by collecting and analyzing tear fluid in a non-invasive manner. Our approach involves cutting edge nanotechnology, electrochemical biosensing and advanced drug delivery strategies. | Regulatory, manufacturing, clinical partners | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Vipul Bansal | RMIT University Australia | vipul.bansal@rmit.edu.au | Melbourne, Australia | Develop point-of-care sensor technologies for various diseases using target-agnostic platform technologies. | We have the capabilities in biomarker discovery. We can develop highly sensitive and specific aptamers against targets of interest. The technology does not require prior knowledge of the target analyte, but instead using a set of samples that include disease-free and diseased state, appropriate biomarkers can be developed. While we currently do not have capabilities in continuous monitoring systems, our biomarkers can be potentially integrated with those with expertise in this area. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Loza Tadesse | MIT | lozat@mit.edu | Cambridge, MA | We are developing nanophotonic platforms that are capable of sensing target biomarkers and providing colorometric and spectral readouts upon white light illumination. The platforms use novel metasurface architectures that can capture targets and shift optical resonances accordingly to provide the diagnostic optical output. | We are seeking clinical collaborators, collaborations for scale up and manufacturing and open to other related topics. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Nate Raine | Lifebit | Nate@lifebit.ai | Boca Raton, FL | Lifebit’s research focuses on enabling federated data analysis and precision medicine through advanced data management platforms. We specialize in harnessing clinico-genomic data for research on autoimmune diseases, cancer, and rare diseases. Lifebit empowers collaboration across healthcare and research ecosystems, ensuring secure, scalable access to diverse datasets while utilizing AI-driven solutions to advance data-driven healthcare innovation. | dd | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Deok-Ho Kim | Johns Hopkins University | dhkim@jhu.edu | Baltimore, MD | My lab leverages multi-scale biofabrication techniques, patient-derived organotypic cultures, and AI-empowered biosystems to develop advanced, high-throughput organ-on-chip platforms integrated with real-time functional phenotypic biosensors for predictive drug efficacy and toxicity screening. | Labs with expertise in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the eye. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Yangzhi Zhu | Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation | yzhu@terasaki.org | Los Angeles, CA | Our goal is to address the most significant challenges in health and sustainability. We are committed to finding innovative solutions and facilitating their transformation into technologies that have a global impact. Specifically, our focus lies in ocular diagnostics and therapeutics, leveraging smart contact lens technology. | We are seeking clinical partners who can collaborate to bring the technology into practical application. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| William Brubaker | SRI International | will.brubaker@sri.com | Menlo Park, CA | SRI International is a non-profit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, California. SRI exists to change the world, with the goal of making people healthier, safer and more productive. We achieve the greatest impact by working together—assembling diverse teams of researchers, technology experts, clients and partners to co-create solutions that would otherwise be impossible. | The SRI Bio-inspired engineering group is primarily looking for partners with expertise in DED therapeutics and human studies for ocular disease diagnostics and therapeutics. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Muhammad Hussain | Purdue University | mmhece@purdue.edu | N/A, IN | Ultra-miniaturized state-of-the-art wearable and implantable healthcare electronic systems integrated with AI | Eye expert or biologist, chemist or material scientist | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Shu Jia | Georgia Tech | shu.jia@gatech.edu | Atlanta metro, GA | Optical imaging, biophotonics | Engineers, physicians. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Long Que | Iowa State University | lque@iastate.edu | Ames, IA | Smart contact lens for sensing and in situ drug delivery | Ophthalmologists | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Yang Dai | HERV Laboratory | ydai@hervlab.org | 10070 Mesa Rim Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, USA, CA | HERV Laboratory focuses on analyzing endogenous retrovirus gene sequences to discover biomarkers. Dr. Yang Dai is an immunologist with experience in autoimmune diseases. | Clinical investigators with expertise in Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune and inflammatory eye-related diseases | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Changyang Linghu | University of Michigan | linghu@umich.edu | Ann Arbor, MI | Technological development of novel sensor and recording systems for physiological signals over time. | We are open to physicians, scientists, and engineers to team with us. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Zhenyu Li | George Washington University | zhenyu@gwu.edu | Washington, DC | microfluidics, biosensors, wearables, tear analysis, | AI, therapeutics | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Sihong Wang | The University of Chicago | sihongwang@uchicago.edu | Chicago, IL | My group has been working on the development of tissue-like, hydrogel-based biosensors. A key feature of our research is the use of transistors to realize very high sensitivity and also the functionalization of bioreceptor on semiconducting polymers to realize high specificity. | Researchers with expertise in biochemistry, electrical system designs, and medical practice on eye-related diseases. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Sean McIntosh | Foothold Labs Inc. | sean@footholdlabs.com | Olathe, KS | Next generation electrochemical biosensor based diagnostic platform | ARPH-H, NIH, DoD past performance | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Hyun Hoon Chung | CHUNGMED | fatima@chungmed.com | #608, 6F, Global Center, 117-3, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02455, Republic of Korea | Quantum sensor for early and accurate diagnosis of biomarkers associated with cancer progression. Further research on degenerative and inflammatory process will be developed in the near future. | Looking for partners with ability to develop bio-compatible micro devices. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Anuj Chauhan | Colorado School of Mines | chauhan@mines.edu | Golden, CO | Our multi PI team has developed and tested sustained drug delivery devices for delivering drugs to both anterior and posterior chamber. We have designed many devices including puncta plugs, fornix inserts and contact lenses. We have also developed smart contact lenses lenses with integrated power supply for drug delivery via iontophoresis. We have also developed mechanistic models for ocular pharmacokinetics including predicting drug delivery via devices such as contact lenses and inserts. | We are interested in teaming with researchers with expertise in designing wireless sensors that are sufficiently small to integrate into the puncta plugs. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Seth Pantanelli | Penn State College of Medicine | spantanelli@pennstatehealth.psu.edu | Hershey, PA | Treatment of chronic ocular disease with biodegradable polymer-drug combinations. | Clinical trial / industry partners | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Yuanwen Jiang | University of Pennsylvania | ywjiang@seas.upenn.edu | Philadelphia, PA | Our research focuses on developing miniaturized soft bioelectronic sensors for biochemical and electrophysiological signals. | We are looking for clinicians with experiences in ocular health and tear ducts. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Dmitry Kireev | University of Massachusetts Amherst | dkireev@umass.edu | Amherst, MA | My lab has the unique technology of graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) biosensors, that offer ultra-sensitivity, precision, transparency, flexibility, and rapid response (<10 sec). Electrolyte gating allows seamless access to the biomerkers in tears. These GFETs, previously used to detect COVID-19 (88 zM), Flu (227 zM), toxins (1.4 pM), and ferritin (10 fM), can also target ophthalmological, hormonal, and inflammatory biomarkers and be adapted for electrophysiology within contact lenses. | In the context of OCULAB, our GFETs provide the most advanced in eye-integrated biosensing, leveraging graphene’s unique properties. We seek partners for (1) integration, (2) bioassays (antibodies, aptamers), (3) AI, and (4) therapeutics to enhance our technology's applications and expand biosensing capabilities in ophthalmology. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Dhruv Seshadri | Lehigh University | dhs223@lehigh.edu | Bethlehem, PA, PA | Development and validation of nanobiosensors for biochemical monitoring. Integrate AI into device for edge computation for disease risk stratification | Clinical colleagues for iterating upon and validating minimum viable product. Partners with clean rooms amenable for scalability once technology is validated | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Wei Gao | California Institute of Technology | weigao@caltech.edu | Pasadena, CA | Nanobiosensor for continuous non-invasive biomarker analysis | Biomedical engineering | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Vinay Aakalu | University of Michigan | vaakalu@umich.edu | Ann Arbor, MI | Oculoplastic surgery, tear duct surgery, tear biomarkers, dry eye, thyroid eye disease therapeutic and diagnostic development | Engineering teams with platform development skill set | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Mark Humayun | University of Southern California | humayun@usc.edu | Los Angeles, CA | Ophthalmic devices | Computational expertise | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Sarah Hamm-Alvarez | University of Southern California | shalvar@usc.edu | Los Angeles, CA | My program at USC is focused on diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disorders. We have a particular expertise in analysis of the tear film for biomarker discovery at a protein and nucleic acid level. We also have access through our clinical partners to a diverse population of dry eye patients including all major subtypes. Finally, we have a bio repository of dry eye tear samples including longitudinal samples from patients over time. | We can offer the biological and disease based expertise for biomarker identification to partner with biomedical engineers with expertise in device design. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Leanne Labriola | InnSight Technology | Labriola@innsightech.com | Pittsburgh, PA | InnSight Technology, Inc, is a biotechnology company that has developed a next-generation platform for detection of tear fluid biomarkers. Our technology can provide accurate, sensitive and quantitative measurements for multiple biomarkers found in tear fluid that are important in dry eye diagnosis as well as for systemic diseases. | We have a multidisciplinary team that comprises clinicians, engineers, product design and regulatory experts. We are interested in partnering with companies that can complement our specialist that have a background in drug delivery, biomarker analysis, or wearable sensor technology. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Michael Abramoff | University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics | michael-abramoff@uiowa.edu | Iowa City, IA | Autonomous AI including closed-loop systems | Low cost sensor technology and low cost release system | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Andrej Trampuz | QUT | andrej.trampuz@qut.edu.au | Brisbane, Australia | - | Engeneeing | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Yanliang Zhang | University of Notre Dame | yzhang45@nd.edu | Notre Dame, IN | high-resolution, high-throughput and multi-materials printing of miniaturized wearable and implantable devices for health monitoring and programmable therapeutics delivery. | nanosensor design, animal testing and clinical trial | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Masaru Rao | University of California, Riverside | mprao@ucr.edu | Riverside, CA | Ti NanoFab: A novel titanium-based nanofabrication technology. Will serve as a critical enabler for OCULAB by providing unique opportunity for: 1) drastic miniaturization via implementation of existing integrated nanodevice concepts, as well tight integration of device within package, and significant reduction of overall packaging volume; 2) reduced regulatory burden by leveraging Ti’s well-established biocompatibility; and 3) inherent scalability to low-cost/high-volume manufacturing. | We look forward to contributing our novel Ti NanoFab technology as a critically enabling nanodevice manufacturing capability for both TAs. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Chi Hwan Lee | Purdue University | lee2270@purdue.edu | West Lafayette, IN | In collaboration with Purdue Vet Med, Indiana University Optometry, and Johns Hopkins University Ophthalmology, our team is conducitng comprehensive in vivo testing on bovine, rabbit, and human eeys, including tear fluids, to validate durability and accuracy of our smart contact lenses under real-likfe conditions for monitoring of physiological signals from the cornea or biomarkers from tear fluids. | Our team seek teaming partners with expertise in electrochemcial sensing, miniaturized chips for wireless data and power communications, as well as diabetes and ophthalmology. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Abhinav Bhushan | Illinois Institute of Technology | abhushan@iit.edu | Chicago, IL | Microfluidic sensors for multiplexed, continuous monitoring, ultra-high sensitivity protein detection (better than ELISA) Closed-loop monitoring | Ocular disease expertise Electronics | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| KEVIN BUSTO | Vega Technology Group LLC | kbusto@vegatcgroup.com | North Canton, OH | Application Engineer specializing in digital imaging systems design specifically for the Medical Diagnostics and Device markets. Systems designed for Microscopy, Non-Invasive Diabetes Monitoring, Wound Care, Burns, Cancer Surgery & Perfusion, Dental, Ocular and Hearing. Systems design, build, proof of concept, prototype to manufacture. 22 years in the Digital Imaging and Machine Vision market with additional skills in embedded/edge computing, communications systems(Cellular, WiFi/LoRaWAN, etc). | Potential partners should have a background in software development, AI/ML, and machine vision software for medical diagnostic applications. The ideal partner has a good foundation in working with hardware developers and Medical Contract Manufacturers. Hospitals with R&D staff dedicated to patient healthcare. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Hao Zhang | Northwestern University | visibleoct@gmail.com | Evanston IL and Cambridge MA, IL | We have developed a biocompatible, patient-specific platform with broad spectrum tear sensing capabilities to tackle this challenge. The team consists biomedical and mechanical engineering expertise from Northwestern University and Chemical Engineering expertise from MIT. | Experts in flexible electronics | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Menglu Yang | Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School | mengluyangpku@gmail.com | Boston, MA | Our team focuses on advancing the biomarkers for Sjogren's disease, an autoimmune-induced dry eye, particularly emphasizing disease management and long-term observation. Our team comprises a molecular biologist, a biomolecular engineer, and a rheumatologist who specializes in Sjogren's disease, with a cohort of patients. | We are looking for industrial partners to further advance the product design. We are also looking for groups focusing on Sjogren's treatment to create a close-loop therapeutic dosing | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Rajendra Apte | Washington University in St. Louis | apte@wustl.edu | St. Louis, MO | Washington University Ophthalmology expertise is in biomarkers for DED and discovery efforts in novel therapeutics for DED | AI and biomedical engineering partners | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Anat Galor | Bascom Palmer Eye Institute | AGALOR@MED.MIAMI.EDU | Miami, FL, FL | Diagnosis and treatment of dry eye | I am a clinician specializing in the treatment of dry eye. I will be joining a team of scientists for this exciting proposal | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Ashok Sharma | Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University | assharma@augusta.edu | Augusta, GA | We specialize in harnessing high-throughput multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) technologies to develop comprehensive molecular profiles of tear fluid for biomarker discovery. Our DED clinical partners provide a large number of samples from diverse patient populations, enabling us to build a molecular database of tear fluid (tearfluid.org) | We have the capability to discover new biomarkers and develop multi-protein biomarker panels using machine learning algorithms. We seek collaborators with expertise in bioengineering and biosensor development. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Stephen Chou | Princeton University | chou@princeton.edu | Princeton, NJ | The Princeton Nano, Meta, Bio-Health Lab team has 30+ years of experience in areas essential for developing the OCULAB platform, which noninvasively senses biomarkers in tears and enables closed-loop therapeutic eye dosing. Their expertise spans nanosensor and bioassay design, fabrication, and testing, alongside machine learning, computational imaging, system hardware/software design, wireless, smartphone technology, and more. | (1) Team partners who can incorporate the OCULAB platform (the sensor and delivery device) into animal models. And (2) Team partners who can conduct clinical trials of the OCULAB platform in patients. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Charlene Ong | BUSM | cjong@bu.edu | Boston, MA | Our lab focuses on data driven strategies to improve decision making in patients with acute brain injuries. We have experiencing testing and validating non-invasive biomarkers in human patients at the largest safety net hospital in New England. | Diagnostic delivery vehicle, sensor | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Marc Aafjes | Deliberate AI | marc@deliberate.ai | New York, NY | We develop multimodal AI biomarker models for CNS/Neuroscience, specializing in "collecting, integrating, and analyzing external biomarker data from wearable devices such as smartwatches and rings". The FDA recently accepted our first model into its ISTAND pilot program as the first AI, first Digital Health Technology, and first Neuroscience project. Our work is supported by grants from the FDA, DARPA, and a recent $20 million NIMH IMPACT-MH grant. | Partners that are looking for an addition to a) "collecting, integrating and analyzing external biomarker data from common wearable devices such as smart watches and rings", and b) looking to add a second disease with a neurological/systemic disorder focus (we have proposals for this already) | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Ashkan Afshin | Novelna Inc. | ashkan@novelna.com | PALO ALTO, CA | Novelna Inc. is developing first-in-class biomarker panels leveraging low-abundance proteins optimized for early disease detection and monitoring. | Novelna Inc. is seeking collaboration with organizations that provide expertise to enhance the development of closed-loop therapeutic dosing systems for the OCULAB program's Technical Area 2 (TA2). | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Adam Braunschweig | City University of New York | adambraunschweig@gmail.com | New York, NY | The Braunschweig Laboratory has developed a printing method, termed Hypersurface Photolithography -- for printing, with micro/nanoscale resolutio over large (1cm2 areas). This mask-free method can print both soft and hard materials, and can be used to create biosensors and transparent/conductive patterns within the same print. We have recently begun using this method to print onto curved optical surfaces. We believe Hypersurface Photolithography is one of the best routes to meet the program goal | We are looking for assistance with the design of the integrated circuit elements and for input on the design of sensors. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Sameer Sonkusale | Tufts University | sameer@ece.tufts.edu | Boston, MA | chemical sensors, drug delivery, tissue-embedded bioelectronics | Clinical partners | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Victor Perez | Bascom Palmer Eye Institute | vperez4@miami.edu | Miami, FL | Bascom Palmer Eye Institute current areas of research focus on genetic, imaging, inflammatory and functional biomarkers to classify our patients with "dry eye" in order to develop a precision medicine algorithm for treatment. | Bascom Palmer will leverage our expertise in genetic, imaging, inflammatory and functional biomarkers to partner with other departments within the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Nanotechnology Institute with Dr. Sylvia Daurnet and presently exploring associations with the Medical College of Georgia, Duke University and start up companies that complement our strengths. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Mohammad Moghimi | Wake Forest University School of Medicine | smoghimi@wakehealth.edu | Winston Salem, NC | Wake Forest School of Medicine has a strong research program in ocular diseases and therapeutic methods for eyes. We also have nanofabrication capabilities to develop sensors and smart contact lenses. | We have a team of researchers in eye diseases and smart contact lens. We are open to collaborate in novel nanosensors and medical needs. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Eleftherios Paschalis Ilios | Harvard Medical School | Eleftherios_Paschalis@MEEI.HARVARD.EDU | Boston, MA | Medical research, particularly in the field of ophthalmology, encompasses the development of treatments for various eye conditions, as well as the discovery and identification of new ocular diseases. | We are collaborating with MIT to develop implantable nanosensors for biomarker detection in age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. We are seeking potential funding opportunities to support this research endeavor. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Penny Asbell | University of Memphis | paasbell@memphis.edu | Memphis, TN | dry eye treatment development and tear analysis: Tear biomarkers expertise , dry eye expert, clinical trial protocol development , FDA experience in drug and device approval with extensive publications on biomarkers, tear cytokines, dry eye disease, clinical trial methodologies, especially in dry eye, clinician scientist | Engineering expertise in nanosensor device development and associated dosing device | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Wendy Bautista Guzman | NIH | wendy.bautista91@gmail.com | Bethesda, Maryland, MD | Digital twins, simulator regulatory clinical trials, new technology wearables, service staffing | novel technologies | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Damla Bilgin | Sarmal INC | dbilgin@sarmal.com | San Diego, CA | Sarmal Inc.’s technology focuses on next-generation target enrichment and sequencing. Its versatility allows for the analysis of multiple types of modalities (RNA, DNA, protein). Our innovative testing platform delivers rapid results with a turnaround time of under one hour. The compact, portable design and user-friendly interface enable straightforward operation and interpretation of results. | Partners with established protocols for small-volume body fluid sampling and preservation, especially those with access to diverse sample types. Additionally, partners who are looking for advanced target enrichment methods to improve the accuracy, sensitivity, and processing speed of their technologies. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Donny Liang | Olmeda BioSciences | donny.liang@olmedabio.com | San Diego, CA | Olmeda Biosciences specializes in precision diagnostics and prognostics for eye diseases, leveraging proteomics and AI. Our research focuses on identifying and monitoring ocular biomarkers in aqueous humor and tears to enable early detection and continuous monitoring of various ophthalmic conditions, including eye cancers, major eye diseases, and aging-related diseases. | Olmeda Biosciences seeks teaming partners with expertise in nanosensor development, wearable technology, and closed-loop therapeutic systems for ophthalmic applications. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Sriram Muthukumar | EnLiSense LLC | sriramm@enlisense.com | Allen, TX | EnLiSense stands at the forefront of medical innovation, spearheading the development of advanced sweat sensor technology for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of chronic conditions and disease states. EnLiSense product offerings include both a first-of-its-kind device and an advanced data and AI platform, blending cutting-edge sensor technology with sophisticated analytics. | We would like to team up with other groups, institutions or entities in areas of Clinical Validation and Co-Development for TA1 and also provide biosensors as a team member for TA2 | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Maria Cabezas | Northwestern University | m-cabezas@northwestern.edu | Evanston, IL | Prof. Shana Kelley's group is focused on developing novel analytical tools for continuous biomarker monitoring. Our ultra sensitive electroanalytical methods integrate chip-based sensors made from nano materials with affinity reagents that enable molecular readouts of nucleic acid sequences, small molecules, and protein biomarkers. These systems are applicable to wearable and implantable sensors for continuous in vivo monitoring. | We are looking for partners with expertise in ophthalmology. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Patricia Khashayar | International Institute for biosensing, University of Minnesota | pkhashay@umn.edu | Minneapolis, MN | Biosensing | regenerative sensors | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Juliane Sempionatto | Rice University | jsemp@rice.edu | houston, TX | My research is related to developing wearable and point-of-care biosensors capable of real-time non-invasive monitoring of medical relevant biomarkers. I designed and built biosensors to measure chemical analytes in sweat, saliva, tears, interstitial fluid, wound fluid, urine and blood. I focus on the development of multimodal and multiplex wearable device, where several sensor modalities, including chemical and physiological sensors are integrated for a comprehensive monitoring. | I am interested in developing sensors to improve woman health, the quality of life of elderly population, people with disability, and mental health. I have great interest in personalized care and precise medication. I am open to discuss ideas related to nutrition, metabolism, cancer, rehabilitation, addiction, and machine learning for prevention and prediction of diseases. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Ming Tan | Wainamics | mingtan@wainamics.com | Pleasanton, CA | Wainamics Corp. is a bioengineering firm founded in 2014 by Dr. Ming Tan. Over the last ten years, we have developed innovative and versatile microfluidic IVD products and provided rapid prototyping and pilot scale manufacturing services to 50+ clients for 100+ projects. Key areas of expertise are integration of microfluidics, electrochemical sensors and wearables for POC settings; development of low-cost, easily manufactured microfluidic consumables; and integration of hardware and software. | We are looking for partners with expertise in: (1) aptamer development for integration into our electrochemical sensor; (2) DED biomarkers, ideally an ophthalmologist with research focus, patient sample access, and can provide use case feedback; and (3) development of DED therapeutic treatments, who can provide feedback on the engineering design for the dosing device. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Shimon Gross | DiagnosTear | shimon@diagnostear.com | 10 Menachem Plaut St. Rehovot, Israel | DiagnosTear is a leading ophthalmic company developing and commercializing disruptive diagnostic solutions for better management of eye diseases. DiagnosTear’s TeaRx™ technology is a diagnostic platform intended for Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) of ophthalmic pathologies through multi-parameter composition analysis of the tear fluid. The first CE-IVD approved test based on the TeaRx™ platform is intended for the identification and monitoring of Dry Eye Syndrome (TeaRx™ DES). | We are seeking partners with strong engineering and electrochemical capabilities for designing and fabrication of micro-devices capable of continuous multiplex testing of biomarkers for which we will develop the biochemical assays (in vitro) | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Eyal Sheetrit | Eximore ltd | eyal@eximore.co.il | Jerusalem | Eximore focuses on innovative ophthalmic drug delivery. targeting Galucona Dry eye syndrom, myopia and ocular allergy. Its nano-particle punctal plugs offer hands-free. six month drug delivery, addressing poor compliance, With a strong safety profile and promising clinical trials, Eximore aims to distrupt the $10B eye drop market. Key priorites include FDA submission expanding indications, securing patents, and forming strategic parterships with industury leaders & other opth. innovators. | We seek teaming partners with complementary expertise in ophthamology, drug delivery systems, or medical devices. Ideal partners include companies with robust R&D capablities, regulatory experience, and global market reach to accelerate innovation and commercialization. We value collaborators who share a commitment to improving patient outcomes, possess advanced manufacturing networks, and can contribute to scaling our technologies, especially in treating Glaucoma, Dry Eye Syndrome. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Terry Sharp | Sage Research Consulting, LLC | terry.sharp@sageresearchconsulting.net | Mason, OH | Sage Research Consulting, LLC is a WOSB operating out of Ohio, with virtual partners and remote employees throughout the US. SRC specializes in Clinical Research Operations and Administration, Regulatory submissions, and contract administration with over 250 combined years of experience. SRC specializes in combined therapeutic Ophthalmology pharmaceutical and device research in all trial phases, as well as, IND, IDE, IRB, DENOVO, and FDA submissions | We are looking to be a subcontractor/partner to an academic or commercial partner to provide clinical and regulatory expertise to help develop a regulatory pathway for sensor or drug delivery concepts in both TA1 or TA2. Sage Research is a proven leader in Ophthalmology CRO and administration, we employ over 200 years of combined therapeutic ophthalmology device and pharmaceutical HSS and clinical trial research. Sage offers strategic medical device regulatory leadership and has a strong track record of working with FDA and other regulatory bodies. Sage Research also offers comprehensive full life-cycle contract and Co-Operative Agreement administration and project management. With over 42 years of expertise in administrative support, we ensure transparent, seamless, and compliant contract management for both the researchers and governing authorities. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Jose S Pulido | Wills Eye Hospital | jpulido@willseye.org | Philadelphia, PA | On demand delivery systems | Biosensor | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Shalini Prasad | The University of Texas at Dallas | shalini.prasad@utdallas.edu | Richardson, TX | I have expertise in designing continuous monitoring systems through biochemical cues. I have demonstrated expertise from concept to in human studies of such systems. | I am seeking to partner with Ophthalmologists for clinical studies and basic scientists with small animal models. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Muhammad Al-Qaisi | Aliph Medical LLC | mqaisi@aliphmedical.com | Irvine, CA | Our research area is in developing advanced commercial ophthalmic diagnostics technologies that have applications in oculomics, early diagnostics, and surgical applications. | We are looking for teams that are looking for advanced therpeutics and treatments through advanced and comprehensive imaging. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Muhammad Mujeeb-U-Rahman | Integrated Medical Sensors Inc. | mujeeb@integratedmedicalsensors.com | IRVINE, CA, CA | IMS has developed tiny wireless biosensors that can measure the concentration of multiple biomarkers. | We are looking for people who have expertise in eye biology and clinical testing in the eye. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Sandra Bunch | WI-HER LLC | sbunch@wi-her.org | Vienna, VA | Access, customer experience and inclusivity in health systems; behavior change science and innovations; health systems adaptive management; data science, monitoring and evaluation of programs and activities | A subcontractor role where we bring our expertise in supporting: (1) design, launch and implementation of new health technologies and/or interventions based on beneficiary input (e.g., human-centered design); (2) support inclusive data gathering from beneficiaries to improve customer experience, rates of adaptation/learning and access/reach into target and/or hard-to-reach populations; (3) optimal change management and technology uptake among target populations leveraging behavior change science | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Tengfei Luo | University of Notre Dame | james274@gmail.com | Notre Dame, IN | Cheap, inexpensive sensors with low limit of detection (LOD). We also have expertise to concentrate targets to further improve LOD. | We would like to integrate our proven sensing technology to a protocol and with clinical experts. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Vrad Levering | Triple Ring Technologies | vlevering@tripleringtech.com | Newark, CA | Triple Ring Technologies excels in complex systems integration for medtech, with strengths in sensors, implantable devices, and drug delivery, as well as experience in ophthalmic devices. Our interdisciplinary team of PhDs and industry experts collaborates with academic researchers and startups to advance technologies from research to commercialization. Leveraging expertise in optics, biology, microfluidics, assays, and modeling, we help teams navigate regulatory and market challenges. | We are looking to be a subcontractor to an academic or commercial partner with teams with sensor or drug delivery concepts in either TA1 or TA2. We have a strong track record of proposal writing and program management, and have previously engaged with ARPA-H as a subcontractor. We offer prototyping, systems integration, device development (ISO 13485 certified) and software development (including AI pipelines and IEC62304 conforming) services. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Jeannie Cecka | Cecka Consulting Group | jmcecka@comcast.net | Berkeley, CA | We are a team of clinical and regulatory executives with a broad and proven track record in developing and executing creative strategic approaches to efficiently gain medical device product approvals in the US and OUS. Our team of regulatory experts is adept at communicating with the FDA and notified bodies to assist both established and start-up medical device clients design and implement regulatory and clinical plans for Class 3 PMA's, Class 2 510K's, de Novo's, Orphan and Class 1 products. | We are looking to be a subcontractor to an academic or commercial partner to provide clinical and regulatory expertise to help develop a regulatory pathway for sensor or drug delivery concepts in either TA1 or TA2. We have a strong track record of working with FDA and other regulatory bodies to execute the process of gaining regulatory approvals, particularly starting in early stage development. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Jason Colasanti | Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis | jasoncolasanti@wustl.edu | Saint Louis, MO | Molecular biology lab in an ophthalmology department. Experienced in cell culture and mouse models of dry eye disease, including lacrimal gland excision and cornea injury. Current research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ocular surface inflammation and repair. We explore therapeutic strategies targeting cellular signaling pathways to restore tissue homeostasis and improve outcomes in dry eye disease and corneal regeneration. | We’re looking for partners with expertise in biochemical engineering, materials for sensors and multifunctional surfaces, and experience developing biopolymers. Specifically, we need collaborators who can help integrate micro-sensors and drug delivery systems | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Uros Kuzmanovic | BioSens8, Inc. | uros@biosens8.com | Cambridge, MA, USA, MA | BioSens8 is engineering novel continuous wearables to enable health ownership. Due to a lack of sensing parts, products akin to the continuous glucose monitor are missing. BioSens8's platform identifies sensing parts in just 3-6 months, not decades, to address this problem. Instead of taking 60 years to build the CGM, our team can engineer similar monitors in less than 3. BioSens8 current holds 10 novel continuous biosensors which span molecules such as hormones, neurotransmitter, and drugs. | We are looking for partners who have experience in closed-loop systems. | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| Edan Kenig | Lensy Medical | edank@Lensymed.com | Jerusalem, Israel. | Lensy Medical develops an application-specific 3D printer for point-of-care manufacturing of custom, freeform contact lenses. Our research focuses on minimally modifying established contact lens materials into 3D printable resins. We've developed a sterile capsule system for quick and easy, press-to-dispense lens production, using just a few drops per lens. We are now optimizing the printing process to ensure lenses meet clinical standards for comfort and optical performance. | We seek partners to leverage our developing 3D printing technology for freeform contact lenses. Our innovation will enable unique structural elements and microchannels—features extremely difficult with traditional manufacturing. These lenses can serve as scaffolds for biosensors, drug delivery, and microfluidics. By combining prototyping and manufacturing, we reduce development costs. Our platform aims to enable next-generation ocular innovations through strategic partnerships. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Nir Betser | ABLE TX | office@avisi-p.com | Tel Aviv, Israel. | ABLE Tx is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical co. developing innovative ophthalmic drug products for DED & other ocular conditions. Our proprietary drug matrix technology enhances therapeutic efficacy, promotes faster improvement & earlier intervention non-invasively. Designed to be self-applied, it ensures prolonged presence in the eye & superior bioavailability, aiming to improve health outcomes. Our mission: to deliver transformative, effective treatments addressing opthalmological unmet needs. | Seeking partnerships with organizations developing continuous monitoring & sensing tech that can be integrated with ABLE’s platform. Additionally, we aim to leverage our extensive expertise in the development and commercialization of innovative drug products & medical devices to support collaborative initiatives. Open to co-creating joint business models, engaging in collaborative clinical testing ventures & exploring other synergistic opportunities to drive innovation & mutual growth. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Gordon Laurie | University of Virginia | glaurie@virginia.edu | Charlottesville, VA | We discovered and named 'lacritin', the tear protein parent of ocular surface therapeutic 'Lacripep' (NCT03226444). Topical Lacripep replaces lacritin monomer deficiency in ocular surface disease, addressing both sign and symptom within two weeks. Lacritin is necessary for basal tearing and both epithelial and neuronal homeostasis of the ocular surface. In mouse dry eye models, Lacripep rapidly repairs corneal epithelial damage and restores corneal innervation. | Novel methods of topical dosing and development of a sensitive POC clinical assay, ideally appropriate for home use. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Anuj Chauhan | Colorado School of Mines | chauhan@mines.edu | Golden, CO | Our multi PI team has developed and tested sustained drug delivery devices for delivering drugs to both anterior and posterior chamber. We have designed many devices including puncta plugs, fornix inserts and contact lenses. We have also developed smart contact lenses lenses with integrated power supply for drug delivery via iontophoresis. We have also developed mechanistic models for ocular pharmacokinetics including predicting drug delivery via devices such as contact lenses and inserts. | We are interested in teaming with researchers with expertise in designing wireless sensors that are sufficiently small to integrate into the puncta plugs. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Patrick Mercier | UCSD Center for Wearable Sensors | pmercier@ucsd.edu | San Diego, CA | UCSD's Center for Wearable Sensors has been building: 1) wearable electrochemical biosensors for 10+ years, including on delicate and flexible substrates; 2) ultra-low-power wireless-enabled integrated circuits capable of doing sensor conditioning, digitization, and wireless readout; and 3) bioenergy harvesting for self-powered systems. We have many in-vivo tests on human and animal subjects. | Opportunities to leverage our existing technologies towards exciting new project directions | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Shirali Nigam | Cogitamentum Bio | shirali@cogitamentumbio.com | Vienna, VA | We combine rigorous research and medical knowledge with strategic business acumen to drive the successful commercialization of biotechnologies. For OCULAB, we have a collaborator that has developed nanosensors for biomarker detection (TA1), complemented by our AI expertise for the personalized algorithm and data / wearables-integration components. For commercialization, we offer in-depth market research, healthcare product management, and BD services to secure funding and accelerate adoption. | We are actively seeking a partner for TA2, preferably an organization with demonstrated interest / proven success in ophthalmological closed-loop therapeutic dosing. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Morgan DiLeo | University of Pittsburgh | morgandileo@pitt.edu | Pittsburgh, PA | Our group has expertise in ophthalmic biomaterials and ocular drug delivery for a variety of applications. We hold several patents in the area of long-term topical drug delivery for dry eye disease, glaucoma, infection, and inflammation using proprietary polymeric materials. We are also developing novel materials for retinal gene therapy delivery. More recently, we have validated a novel, inexpensive, and readily scaled DNA-based sensing platform for tear film biomarkers. | Our ideal partner would have expertise in continuous biomarker sensing, wearable technology and/or medical devices, and regulatory and manufacturing. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor |
| Alexander Yoshikawa | Adaptyx Biosciences | ay@adaptyx.bio | Menlo Park, CA | We are experts in developing real-time and continuous multiplexed biosensors. We focus on both developing novel real-time molecular sensors, as well as wearable devices that can leverage molecular sensors to enable continuous biomarker measurement. We have extensive experience developing real-time drug monitoring devices for closed-loop drug delivery. | We are interested in partners seeking to leverage our expertise in real-time molecular monitoring. In particular, we would like to provide molecular sensors as components for a larger project. | TA1: Continuously monitoring nanosensor, TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |
| James Foster | Lions World Vision Institute | james.foster@lwvi.org | Tampa, FL | Ocular biomarkers and biofluids | Researchers requiring whole globes and biofluids from adult human donors | TA2: Closed-Loop therapeutic dosing |