Eric Schlumpf, president and CEO of Stuart Therapeutics, took a winding path to launch his South Florida-based eye care company. Along the way, he met academic researchers studying a family of collagen mimetic peptides that appeared to have a powerful reparative effect on many human conditions, including several in ophthalmology. Eric and his leadership team have moved in one focused direction ever since. In April 2021—about a month after receiving an $11 million Series A round of capital investment—Stuart Therapeutics got the green light from the FDA to begin Phase II clinical trials for ST-100, a topical drop designed to treat dry eye disease. The company is also researching indications for glaucoma and dry AMD.The product’s key API: that collagen peptide family Eric discovered, now patented as PolyCol™. In corneal wound models in mice, researchers found PolyCol™ produced complete healing to corneal tissues in 24 hours or less. The MOA is applicable across a wide range of ocular surface indications, from dry eye disease to corneal erosions and recurrent erosions.In this episode, host Rob Rothman, MD, speaks with Eric from his steamy home base to discuss the Stuart Therapeutics pipeline and the circuitous path that led him there—from electrical engineering to C-Suite roles in the waste management and telecommunications to growing early-stage start-ups.Listen to this episode to take a deep dive into PolyCol’s unique MOA and find out how a PolyCol-based product differs from other dry eye therapeutics. You’ll also discover: How Eric found the PolyCol™ family of collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs), how Stuart Therapeutics obtained patent protection, and how the company expanded its IP portfolio.How the FDA has responded to preclinical and clinical trial data so far.More about Eric’s unique journey to leading an ophthalmic drug development company and the common thread in his diverse resume. The secret to the successful working relationship between Eric and his cofounder, Chief Medical Officer Robert Baratta, MD, and how they collaborate in an intense, competitive environment.