The ambitious goal of the RD TREAT program to enable and conduct phase I/IIa clinical trials up to the prerquisites of a phase IIb trial for three therapeutic approaches within a period of 5 years, requires new, very well adapted and agile project and governance structures. 

The RD TREAT program is hosted and implemented in the facilities of the University Hospital Tübingen (UKT) at the Center for Ophthalmology. The Center consists of two units, the Institute for Ophthalmic Research (appr. 160 employees) mainly dealing with retina research, and the University Eye Hospital (appr. 235 employees) within a new appr. 8.000 sqm building, the largest and most research oriented ophthalmic institution in Germany according to the reports of the German Ophthalmological Society. 

This concept makes it possible to take advantage of the experience of the Institute for Ophthalmic Research in the area of longstanding scientific research and development in IRDs, including the access to a large IRD patient group, and to bridge the experience in applied research and translational capability of the industrial world by means of experienced advisors. 

The Management

To efficiently bridge the gap between laboratory results and clinical application, the Department for Ophthalmology in Tübingen, in partnership with the Foundation for Medical Innovation (Stiftung für Medizininnovationen (SfM)), has established a dedicated project management structure. This cross-functional team—comprising researchers, clinicians, regulatory experts, and pharmaceutical partners—operates under a centralized coordination framework designed to streamline collaboration and execution.

At the core of this initiative lies a robust five-year project management plan jointly overseen by SfM and the Centre for Ophthalmology. 

This plan is guided by clear milestones, defined roles and responsibilities, and continuous risk assessment. Regular progress reviews, transparent communication channels, and agile decision-making mechanisms ensure that the team remains aligned and responsive to challenges. 

By actively monitoring timelines, budgets, and deliverables, the management team fosters accountability and maintains project momentum, from bench to bedside.