While optogenetic therapy based on algae protein has revolutionized neuroscience research, this is the first time internationally that this innovative approach has been successfully used in humans.
- Optogenetic therapy targets all pathologies with loss of photoreceptors such as retinopathy pigmentosa, which affects the patient included in the clinical trial and who has regained sight.
- This degenerative genetic eye disease is characterized by progressive loss of vision, caused by mutations in more than 71 different genes.
At 58, a man who became blind partially regained his sight thanks to a new technique developed by French researchers. Posted in NatureMedicine Monday, May 24, they explain having used optogenetic therapy, which is based on an algae protein to reintroduce sensitivity to light in the blind retina.
Pigmentary retinopathy
The patient in this clinical study had been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at such an advanced stage that he could only perceive the presence of light. Seven months after the start of treatment, he began to show signs of visual perception. Functional tests showed that he acquired the ability to perceive, locate, count and touch objects only when his treated eye was stimulated.
“People who are blind with different types of photoreceptor neurodegenerative diseases and a functional optic nerve will potentially be eligible for treatment, but it will be some time before this therapy can be offered. GenSight Biologics plans to launch a trial of phase 3 to confirm the efficacy of this therapeutic approach”, commented Dr José-Alain Sahel, head of department at the Quinze-Vingts hospital, founder of the Vision Institute and professor at the Sorbonne University.
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