Part of the series: 30 Visioneers Shaping the Future of Biotech in 2025

In the rapidly evolving landscape of biotechnology, few innovations hold as much promise for transforming patient care as early detection technologies for neurodegenerative diseases. Professor M Francesca Cordeiro stands at the forefront of this revolution, bridging the worlds of clinical ophthalmology and cutting-edge biotechnology through her groundbreaking DARC technology—a revolutionary imaging technique that can detect dying cells in the eye before vision loss occurs.

As Chair of Ophthalmology at Imperial College London, UCL Professor, and Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist at Western Eye Hospital London, Professor Cordeiro has dedicated her career to translational approaches that save sight and reduce disability. Her journey from academic researcher to biotech entrepreneur exemplifies the modern imperative to move scientific discoveries from laboratory benches to patient bedsides.

With over 190 peer-reviewed publications and continuous Wellcome Trust funding since 1996, Professor Cordeiro's work has earned international recognition, including the prestigious GG2 Diversity Award for Outstanding Achievement in Medicine and the Duke Elder Award from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Her recent venture as Founder and Director of Novai Ltd represents a bold step toward making her revolutionary eye imaging technology accessible to patients worldwide.

In this exclusive Q&A, Professor Cordeiro shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of translating academic research into commercial applications, and her vision for the future of ophthalmology. She also discusses the critical importance of supporting diversity in STEM fields and offers practical advice for institutions seeking to create more inclusive research environments.

Q: What inspired you to translate your groundbreaking research into a commercial venture like Novai Ltd, and how has the transition from academic research to entrepreneurship challenged or expanded your perspective on innovation in ophthalmology?

I was fortunate enough to receive funding from the Wellcome Trust which enabled DARC to go from bench to Phase 2a clinical trials. The funding was through a stream from Wellcome that no longer exists - but was called a Translational Award. Not only did this encourage IP creation, but also set the groundwork for new start-ups. For me, this provided an opportunity to enable the translation of my work to patients - always an aim for me from the time of my PhD.

Q: DARC technology holds promise for early detection of neurodegenerative eye diseases. What are the biggest clinical or regulatory hurdles you’ve encountered in bringing this innovation to widespread clinical use, and how close are we to routine implementation?

So the technology is still not being used widely - and currently is an approved exploratory endpoint in UK, USA, Europe and Australia/NZ. This means we are being used in early phase clinical trials to test drug efficacy for Pharma. However, the next step is to take this to clinic, and we are keen to do this in age-related macular degeneration - macular atrophy to be specific, where DARC can we used as a clinical decision support tool. We are currently working our way through this strategy - oping to roll-out first in the USA. This should be within the next 2-3 years, if all goes to plan.

Q: You’ve received recognition for both scientific excellence and contributions to diversity in medicine. What are some concrete steps institutions can take to better support women and underrepresented minorities in academic and clinical research careers?

I think equity is very important and  the encouragement of women/minorities to aim high and be ambitious.