Wilmer Clinical Research Unit (CRU)
An increasing proportion of funding for clinical research and access to new treatments in ophthalmology derive from industry sources. This unit facilitates and manages the conduct of industry-sponsored clinical research performed at Wilmer at the request of the Wilmer faculty. It provides space, research technicians, and assistance with budgetary management, FDA reporting requirements and assistance with interactions with the JHM IRB and Office of Research Administration.
Currently, the Wilmer CRU is overseeing four FDA clinical trials and an epidemiologic surveillance study, all with funding from industry. The clinical trials are assessing drugs directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for treating macular edema and other retinal conditions related to macular degeneration. The surveillance study is examining rates and risk factors for fungal keratitis among contact lens wearers.
Emily West Gower, PhD is the director of the Wilmer CRU, collaborating with Neil Bressler, MD from the Retina Division and Oliver Schein, MD, MPH, MBA from the Cornea/Anterior Segment Division.
