Los Angeles, CA - April 8, 2026 - The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) is proud to announce that Principal Investigator Dr. Yangzhi Zhu has published their research in Science Translational Medicine, marking a major milestone for the institute.
The study, titled "Real-time intraocular pressure monitoring and responsive drug delivery in preclinical models by an all-polymer smart contact lens," and published in Science Translational Medicine, introduces an innovative smart contact lens that integrates AI-enabled real-time intraocular pressure monitoring with closed-loop treatment delivery. By combining continuous sensing, intelligent data interpretation, and responsive drug release in a single wearable platform, this technology represents a major advance in the management of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.
Dr. Zhu's work demonstrates the potential of a new class of therapeutic biointerfaces that do not simply monitor disease, but actively respond to it. The smart contact lens continuously tracks intraocular pressure in real time, uses AI-enabled analysis to identify pressure changes, and triggers treatment delivery in a closed-loop manner. This integrated approach offers a noninvasive, highly responsive, and patient-friendly strategy for precision management of ocular disease. The technology has shown promising results in preclinical models, paving the way for future clinical translation.
"Our goal was to create a platform that not only monitors disease in real time but also responds to it immediately," said Dr. Zhu. "By integrating sensing and drug delivery into a single smart contact lens, we are moving toward a more precise and patient-friendly approach to treating ocular conditions. We hope this technology can ultimately improve quality of life for patients by reducing the burden of traditional treatment methods."
This publication is the Institute's first to be featured in Science Translational Medicine, highlighting the institute's growing impact in translational biomedical research and its commitment to developing technologies that bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application.
"This milestone publication in Science Translational Medicine represents a defining moment for our institute," said Stewart Han, President of the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation. "Dr. Zhu's work reflects the kind of bold, translational innovation we strive for at Terasaki, where cutting-edge science is not only discovered, but engineered to directly improve patient outcomes. This achievement sets a new standard for what is possible when interdisciplinary research is driven by real-world impact."
The publication underscores the Terasaki Institute's continued leadership in biomedical innovation and its dedication to advancing technologies that improve patient outcomes and accessibility in healthcare.
