The University of Colorado-led team will receive $46 million in federal funding over the next five years to pursue a first-of-its-kind full eye transplantation. The goal is to achieve this monumental task with novel stem cell and bioelectronic technologies.
Researchers are optimistic about achieving a cure for blindness, calling it “biblical” in its enormity. A team at New York University recently performed a partial face transplant that included an eye transplant, but did not restore vision.
The CU-led group will work alongside three other teams across the US to achieve distinct approaches towards transplanted eyes. The teams will collaborate and potentially merge if their research shows promise.
Researchers must first successfully remove and preserve eyes from donors and then connect and repair the optical nerve. A successful transplantation could help unlock discoveries about repairing brain damage, hearing loss, and more.
The team has already completed an eye transplant procedure in rats, with plans to advance to large animals next. They will also study immunosuppression to ensure donor organs are accepted by patients’ immune systems.
The total funding available for all teams is $125 million, with phases dependent on progress. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette pledged to continue fighting to preserve ARPA-H’s funding under the new administration.
Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/02/university-colorado-anschutz-blindness-cure-eye-transplant-medical-research