Alice T. Epitropoulos, MD, FACS, is in practice at Ophthalmic Surgeons & Consultants of Ohio and The Eye Center of Columbus and serves as clinical assistant professor at The Ohio State University. She is the chief medical officer (CMO) for Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals (PRN) based in Blue Bell, Pa., producer of a therapeutically potent re-esterified omega-3 nutriceutical.

Ophthalmology Management: Can you discuss your role as CMO of PRN and how you got started in this role?

Alice T. Epitropoulos, MD: As CMO, I plan and direct a majority of PRN’s organizational medical policies, standards and programs. I am responsible for creating and maintaining scientific relationships with physician customers as well as employees. I also ensure that all marketing materials and programs are in compliance with regulations. Additionally, I support business development activities to aid in advancing new business and provide input to consulting projects for PRN.

In 2016, I was the principal investigator in a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled prospective study looking at the benefits of utilizing PRN’s De 3 Omega Benefits as a primary therapy for patients who have dry eye disease (DED). De 3 met multiple primary and secondary endpoints of statistical significance in that study, which was published in Cornea. While I was a believer in utilizing the correct form and dosage of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for my dry eye patients and surgical patients prior to this study, being a part of this study made me understand that not all supplement companies and products were the same.

I began to use the PRN products as a primary therapy for DED to help maximize the health of the ocular surface prior to cataract surgery. After seeing the clinical results myself and upon the news that Dr. Michael Gross, the founder and CMO of PRN, was retiring after a very long and successful career, I was approached to fill his very large shoes. It seemed like a perfect marriage, as I was already so passionate about their products. This position allowed me to balance the demands of patient care and partnering with a company whose products I truly believe in.

OM: Why did you decide to move in this direction with your career and how?

AE: I am an ophthalmologist/eye surgeon first, and my patients still are my priority, but expanding into roles that combine my passion for science and product development has allowed me to impact patients and our profession beyond what I can achieve in my office alone. The ocular health nutriceuticals that we develop at PRN currently reaches over 45,000 patients on a recurring basis, and I’m proud to know that we are assisting in the ocular health in such a way.

While being CMO for a company was not really a career path that I envisioned for myself, it has turned out to be an exciting chapter in my life. To be able to continue caring for patients while learning more about the business side of product development and education has been a welcome challenge. I also think that it presents an opportunity that more ophthalmologists have a seat at the table when corporations discuss products and programs that have a direct impact on our day-to-day lives in patient care.

OM: What are some of the latest developments at PRN?

AE: PRN has strengthened its commitment to delivering best-in-class products that have a meaningful impact on patients’ ocular surface and eye health. I am very excited that PRN is developing products so we can be a one-stop shop for most dry eye needs when it comes to over the counter. We have integrated masks and cleansers (hypochlorous acid spray and lid wipes) into PRN’s portfolio. Nutriceuticals will remain a primary focus for our company. For example, PRN offers a vegan and vegetarian option for patients, the Omega-V Benefits liquid dietary supplement; and a pediatric option, the Dry Eye Omega Benefits for Kids. These have been welcome additions, as there have been very few solutions in the past for these patients.

The ability to partner with physicians and make things simple to ensure patients get high quality products for their home therapy and maintenance between office visits will help to maximize clinical results for them. OM