Pigmentary retinopathies are genetic diseases progressively attacking the cells of the eye (the photoreceptors) which convert the light signal into a signal that can be interpreted by the brain, gradually leading to blindness. 40,000 people are affected in France. Although new gene therapy approaches are being developed, these diseases are still incurable today.
In sick people, the rod photoreceptors involved in night vision are affected first. Secondly, the cone photoreceptors, essential for central vision and daytime visual acuity, degenerate.
In 2004, Inserm researchers identified a protein with high potential for the treatment of hereditary retinal degeneration. Today, these same researchers have observed, in treated animals, that this protein significantly preserves the function of cone photoreceptors, slowing visual loss. On the strength of this new stage in research, the scientists should begin clinical trials in humans at the Clinical Investigation Center of the Quinze-Vingts hospital.
