Research
Research | Introduction
The retina is an extremely complex part of the body linked directly via the optic nerve to the brain. 30 years ago the research into cures for hereditary eye disease was practically non-existent. But patient groups refused to accept that there was no possibility of finding a cure and through funding their own projects, generated interest in retinal research. Understanding increased, breakthroughs were made and it is now “when not if” there is a cure.
More funding is vital as research into retinal disease is at the start of its next journey. Foresight and many patient organisations around the world are dedicated to keeping the research forging ahead. Together we can break the chain of inherited sight loss and the devastation that it causes to people’s lives.
Latest research news:
Retina International World Congress 2008 – Helsinki
Retina International is an umbrella association of 33 national societies each of which is created and run by people with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Usher Syndrome, Macular Degeneration and allied retinal dystrophies, their families and friends.
Its goal is to promote the search for a treatment for these inherited forms of retinal dystrophies. Foresight is an associate member and the only member in the GCC. Catherine and Katy went to Helsinki at the beginning of July to this biennial event which is a great gathering of people from around the world who have RP and other retinal disease, plus those with an interest and the leading scientists who are searching for cures. There was a fantastic atmosphere of optimism due to the amazing breakthroughs that have been made this year.
There was a strong emphasis on research, with news on several fronts about clinical trials in progress or planned, plus there were also some workshop sessions on welfare issues.
Here’s a short summary of the highlights of the research presentations:
Robin Ali spoke on the subject of gene therapy on the final afternoon to a rapt audience. He showed a film of 19 year-old Steven Howarth who has LCA caused by the gene RP 65 negotiating a darkened maze before and after this highly successful clinical trial. He also explained that the Moorfield’s clinical trial is one of three trials currently on-going. The other two are taking place in the USA.
It brought home to us once again the importance of seeking an accurate diagnosis and genetic testing as, for further clinical trials, they are searching worldwide for people with RPE65 to see if they are suitable for the treatment.
Alan Bird gave a very upbeat assessment of the history of research leading to the current clinical trials. In a second paper he outlined what Europe needs to do to be prepared for further clinical trials, emphasising the importance of cross-border collaboration in developing patient registries.
Mark Humayun, from the Doheny Institute in California, spoke about his group's work on retinal prostheses and the clinical trial being undertaken in conjunction with the company, Second Sight. So far 20 patients have been implanted with the Argus 2 device in various locations and more will follow.
Weng Tao of the company Neurotech spoke about the clinical trial being undertaken on the growth factor CNTF using Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) for both RP and dry AMD patients. The work is being carried on in 11 centres; results are expected in late 2008 and will be announced at ARVO 2009.
Theo Van Veen spoke about his work to show that antioxidants can slow photoreceptor cell death in animal models of RP. He did not emphasise the commercial product Retinacomplex except to say that a human clinical trial is on-going in Valencia, Spain. However, there was much talk around the conference about this product and some delegates have purchased the capsules.
The next conference will take place in 2010 in Turin, Italy.
For past research news, click on any topic below:
First clinical trial of gene therapy for childhood blindness