ODDB: An interactive database for clinical and translational research in ocular diseases

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Aims/Purpose: To develop and validate a comprehensive web‐based interactive database of ocular diseases, including information of, for instance, associated genes, biomarkers, and medications.Methods: Initially, a thorough literature review was conducted to identify key ocular diseases and their associated genes and biomarkers. Data was then curated from multiple reputable sources, including peer‐reviewed journals, clinical trial repositories and drug regulatory agency databases. Advanced data integration techniques were employed to link various data types. The database interface was designed to allow intuitive navigation and robust querying capabilities, ensuring ease of access and data utilization. The database underwent internal testing to ensure user friendliness as well as data accuracy and reliability.Results: The resulting web‐based database encompasses detailed information on a wide array of ocular diseases. The diseases are categorized based on location of primary pathology in various parts of the eye, such as the cornea, retina, and optic nerve, among others. For each disease, the database provides a comprehensive list of biomarkers and associated genes, derived from scientific literature. Additionally, the database includes information of drug regulatory agency‐approved drugs and drugs currently undergoing clinical trials, with detailed descriptions of their therapeutic targets, mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy. The database also features tools for epidemiological analysis.Conclusions: This user‐friendly database of ocular diseases is a valuable resource for the scientific community, providing a wealth of information that can aid in the advancement of ophthalmology research. By consolidating data of biomarkers, genes, drugs and epidemiology, the database supports basic and clinical research, and facilitates the development of new therapeutic strategies. This initiative sets a precedent for future databases in other medical disciplines.