BOSTON — Ora has appointed João “John” Trein Jr., M.D., MPH, as Therapeutic Lead, Posterior, strengthening the ophthalmic contract research organization’s leadership in retinal disease and posterior segment drug development.
Trein is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and practicing retina specialist with more than 20 years of clinical, surgical and research experience across retinal diseases, as well as expertise in ophthalmic drug development and global clinical trials.
In his new role, he will provide scientific and clinical leadership across Ora’s posterior segment programs, advising on study design, endpoint strategy, patient identification, safety oversight and program execution.
“John brings a rare combination of deep clinical expertise, development experience, and a true understanding of the patient journey,” said Gustavo De Moraes, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, Chief Medical Officer at Ora. “Having served as both a practicing retina specialist and a trusted advisor to innovators around the world, he is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate increasingly complex retinal development programs.”
Trein has experience across retinal conditions including geographic atrophy, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal vascular disorders and inherited retinal diseases.
Before taking on his new role, Trein served as Ora’s Medical Monitor and Head of Latin America Operations, supporting global ophthalmic development programs and advising on protocol design, patient eligibility, imaging and functional endpoints, safety reviews and operational strategy.
“Retinal innovation is advancing rapidly, creating tremendous opportunities for patients and development teams alike,” Trein said. “Ora’s scientific depth, ophthalmology-exclusive focus, and commitment to solving complex development challenges make it an exciting place to help shape the future of retinal therapeutics.”
In addition to his work at Ora, Trein practices as a retina specialist at Aran Eye Associates in South Florida, treating patients with retinal and vitreous diseases.
Earlier in his career, he owned and operated a specialized ophthalmology practice in Brazil for more than 16 years, performing retina and cataract surgery and treating patients with complex ophthalmic conditions.
Trein earned his medical degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul and completed his ophthalmology residency and retina fellowship at the University of São Paulo. He later earned a Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences focused on clinical and industrial drug development from the University of Cincinnati.
