Selected Aspects of Ocular Toxicity Studies With a Focus on High-Quality Pathology Reports: A Pathology/Toxicology Consultant’s Perspective

Abstract

Ocular toxicity studies are the bedrock of nonclinical ocular drug and drug–device development, and there has been an evolution in experience, technologies, and challenges to address that ensures safe clinical trials and marketing authorization. The expectations of a well-designed ocular toxicity study and the generation of a coherent, integrative ocular toxicology report and subreports are high, and this article provides a pathology/toxicology consultant’s perspective on achieving that goal. The first objective is to cover selected aspects of study designs for ocular toxicity studies including considerations for contract research organization selection, minipig species selection, unilateral versus bilateral dosing, and in-life parameters based on fit-for-purpose study objectives. The main objective is a focus on a high-quality ocular pathology report that includes ocular histology procedures to meet regulatory expectations and a report narrative and tables that correlate microscopic findings with key ophthalmic findings and presents a clear interpretation of test article-, vehicle-, and procedure-related ocular and extraocular findings with identification of adversity and a pathology peer review. The last objective covers considerations for a high-quality ophthalmology report, which in concert with a high-quality pathology report, will pave the way for a best quality toxicology report for an ocular toxicity study.