Turning eye research into real-world impact

For Dr Priyanka Agarwal, pharmaceutical science was never just about understanding molecules or mechanisms. It was about confronting a deeper frustration: that even today, many conditions remain difficult to diagnose and manage effectively.

“That realisation stayed with me,” she says. “It made me want to contribute in a way that went beyond the prescription of conventional medicine and address unmet clinical needs.”

Originally from India, Priyanka completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Mumbai before seeking international research experience. New Zealand appealed not only for its growing health and biomedical research capability, but for its research culture.

“Moving to New Zealand allowed me to broaden my scientific perspective, develop independence as a researcher, and engage with translational research in a way that aligned strongly with my long-term aspirations.”

What began as an academic step has since evolved into a career that bridges science and industry. Today, Priyanka is the Director of Research and Operations and Formulation Lead at TheiaNova, an Auckland-founded start-up developing a regenerative eye drop for keratoconus, a degenerative condition in which the cornea progressively thins and distorts, leading to vision loss.

Keratoconus has long been underdiagnosed. A 2020 meta-analysis suggests a global prevalence of around one in 700 people, equivalent to roughly 11 million patients worldwide. Improved screening has since revealed even higher rates in some regions. Despite this, treatment options remain limited.

“Corrective glasses or lenses don’t address the underlying disease. The gold-standard treatment requires an in-office procedure and isn’t always accessible. We’re developing the first regenerative eye drop designed to strengthen the cornea by restoring collagen, preventing further distortion and visual deterioration.”

TheiaNova’s work sits at the intersection of advanced formulation science, clinical need, and regulatory complexity. Over the past few years, the team has manufactured pilot and clinical trial batches, completed sterility and long-term stability studies, and secured approval for first-in-human clinical trial which is currently in progress.

For Priyanka, navigating this pathway has reinforced a lesson she now shares widely with other researchers: scientific excellence alone is not enough to reach patients.

“Over 99 percent of pharmacological inventions fail to reach patients because of gaps between laboratory research, product development, regulatory pathways, and operational execution. That’s where strategic commercialisation becomes critical.”

This is where her involvement with the University of Auckland’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) has been pivotal. Priyanka first engaged with CIE through a PhD commercialisation programme in 2016, and more recently through the Research to Innovation Hatchery, a programme designed to help researchers translate academic discoveries into viable ventures.

“One of my biggest takeaways from the Hatchery was: keep it simple. An enormous amount of research goes into developing new technologies, but for effective commercialisation, you need a clear, focused product profile. That discipline helps you stay targeted and develop solutions that are both feasible and commercially viable.”

Beyond frameworks and tools, the Hatchery also shifted how she thinks about impact.

“Commercialisation isn’t about moving away from science. It’s about strengthening its impact. Research deserves to progress beyond academic journals and make a tangible difference to patients’ lives.”

That mindset has shaped how Priyanka approaches validation and market readiness. Engaging early with clinicians, end users, and stakeholders has been as important as demonstrating scientific efficacy.

“Understanding how a product fits into existing clinical workflows, regulatory pathways, and reimbursement environments is just as critical. Innovation is dynamic. What works in the lab often needs to adapt to meet real-world demands.”

Looking back, Priyanka describes a scientific career as both demanding and deeply rewarding. Sustained resilience, she says, is only possible when driven by genuine purpose.

“What has mattered most for me is identifying a cause I truly care about. That passion gives meaning to the challenges and uncertainty, and it’s what has sustained me through setbacks.”