Rajendra Apte

Rajendra Apte is the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine, with additional appointments as Professor of Developmental Biology and Professor of Medicine. He serves as Vice Chair for Translation and Innovation in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and is affiliated with multiple research centers including the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, and the Bursky Center for Human Immunology & Immunotherapy Programs.

Dr. Apte's research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying retinal diseases, with particular emphasis on innate immunity and immune effector mechanisms in the retina, oxidative stress and cell death pathways, developmental angiogenesis and neovascularization, inflammation and photoreceptor survival, and macular degeneration. His work spans both basic science investigations into pathophysiology and translational clinical trials evaluating potential therapies for retinal conditions. Recent publications demonstrate his continued leadership in areas including cholesterol metabolism in retinal disease, macrophage function in age-related macular degeneration, VEGF inhibition therapies, and novel approaches to conditions like diabetic macular edema and central serous chorioretinopathy.

His clinical expertise encompasses diabetic retinopathy, macular surgery, macular holes, macular pucker, age-related macular degeneration, vitreous substitutes, and retinal detachments. With over 180 publications and significant citation impact, Dr. Apte has established himself as a leading researcher in ophthalmology, particularly in retinal diseases. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, JAMA Ophthalmology, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

• Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor (major honor)
• Extensive publication record with significant recent output (2024-2025)
• Leadership in major clinical trials including the INSIGHT study on aflibercept biosimilars
• Research featured in news outlets and social media with high engagement

Dr. Apte actively mentors PhD and MSTP students through the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, contributing to the next generation of physician-scientists. His laboratory investigates multiple aspects of retinal disease pathogenesis, with current projects focusing on the role of innate immunity in angiogenesis, effects of senescence on macrophage gene regulation, oxidative stress in macular degeneration models, and mechanisms of photoreceptor cell death. His collaborative network extends across multiple institutions and countries, reflecting the broad impact of his research on the field of ophthalmology.