Research To Prevent Blindness Unrestricted Grant

Therapies for many blinding diseases are extremely unsatisfying due to insufficient insight into their root causes. We believe that effective translation from the bench to the bedside is impossible without the solid foundation of basic science. Investigation of fundamental mechanisms underlying blood vessel growth forms the crux of our basic research scientists. They have discovered that white blood cells play a crucial role in the development of normal and abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. Recently they described the first animal model of macular degeneration that closely parallels the human condition. Published in the premier journal Nature Medicine, this work is likely to significantly advance research in this field and ultimately lead to new therapies. Our researchers also have discovered several new plant-derived substances that can prevent abnormal blood vessel growth without causing toxicity to normal tissue. Our department pioneered the development of sustained release intraocular drug implants more than a decade ago. This technology was first used to deliver the drug ganciclovir specifically to the eye, preventing blindness in thousands of HIV patients. Now this technology is being used to deliver steroids for conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, sparing patients the numerous side effects of systemic treatment. We believe that our twin strategy of combining basic research with clinical application will continue to yield fruit.