Foundation Fighting Blindness

Dr. Robert MacLaren, a world-renowned retinal surgeon, clinical trial investigator, and research lab leader at the University of Oxford, talks to host Ben Shaberman about the successes and challenges in retinal gene therapy development and clinical trials, as well as advances in robotics for improving retinal surgery outcomes.

Jason Comander, MD, PhD, clinical researcher, surgeon, and director of the Inherited Retinal Disease Disorders Service at Mass Eye and Ear, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his administration of LUXTURNA gene therapy to RPE65 patients, his team's re-analysis of vitamin A therapy for retinitis pigmentosa, and passion for retinal research and patient care.

Known as antisense oligonucleotides, the treatments performed encouragingly in ProQR’s clinical trials

James Rath, a renowned filmmaker and accessibility consultant, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his vision loss journey and travel documentary, Blindspots. The new streaming program, on CuriosityStream.com, follows James as he explores the globe in search of accessible adventures, remarkable blind personalities, and great food.

Michael Voevodsky, MBA, CEO at MitoChem Therapeutics, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his company's emerging, gene-agnostic treatment designed to boost mitochondrial function for preserving vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and other retinal conditions.

The company’s molecule is designed to restore some vision to people with ultra-low or no vision caused by advanced retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases.

The report also concludes that vitamin E supplementation accelerates vision loss for RP patients.

Omar Mahroo, MB, PhD, talks with host Ben Shaberman about electrophysiological testing for the retina, namely the electroretinogram (ERG), and its important role in evaluating and diagnosing inherited retinal diseases. Dr. Mahroo is a consultant ophthalmologist and retinal specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital and St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, and Professor of Retinal Neuroscience at University...

Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO, an optometrist and assistant professor at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, talks with host Ben Shaberman about the critical role of optometrists in providing care and low-vision resources for patients with inherited retinal diseases and other eye conditions.

Ocugen Reports Updated Results for Clinical Trial of Modifier Gene Therapy by Foundation Fighting Blindness

David Birch, PhD, at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest in Dallas, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his productive and impactful 40-plus-year career as a retinal disease researcher and clinical trial investigator. Dr. Birch also discusses the challenges and opportunities for advancing more therapies through trials and out to the people who need them.

Opus was established by the RD Fund, the Foundation’s venture philanthropy arm

September 1, 2023. Brendan Creemer talks to host Ben Shaberman about how he is taking on the diagnosis of Usher syndrome 1F by dedicating his education and career to becoming a researcher for retinal disease treatments and cures.

First cohort of patients has been dosed in Phase 1/2 clinical trial taking place in Pittsburgh and Paris

The AAV.SPR gene delivery system used in the trial is designed to more safely reach targeted retinal cells

Known as antisense oligonucleotides, the treatments performed encouragingly in ProQR’s clinical trials

Artur Cideciyan, PhD, one of the world’s foremost authorities in measuring vision and structural changes in people with retinal diseases, talks with host Ben Shaberman about current imaging tools, functional tests, and his experience as an investigator in several prominent clinical trials at the University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute.

Rachel Huckfeldt, MD, PhD, a clinical researcher and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear, talks with host Ben Shaberman about caring for patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRD), the challenges and opportunities with clinical trials, and the educational and professional journey that led her to the IRD research field.

The emerging RNA therapy is designed to boost expression of the PRPF31 protein

Alex Cohen, PhD, a marketing professor with retinitis pigmentosa, talks with host Ben Shaberman about his career in the hospitality industry and launch of Accessible Pharmacy, a comprehensive pharmacy service for people with vision loss.

Jami Kern, PhD, chief clinical officer at Nacuity Pharmaceuticals, talks with host Ben Shaberman about NACA, the company's emerging gene-agnostic therapy for Usher syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa in a Phase 2 clinical trial in Australia. Their conversation includes a discussion about oxidative stress, which NACA is designed to mitigate, and timing for the efficacy readout from the Phase 2 study.

Kari Branham, a genetic counselor with Kellog Eye Center at the University of Michigan, talks to host Ben Shaberman about a variety of topics related to genetic testing and counseling for people with inherited retinal diseases. Their conversation includes discussion of: common misconceptions about genetic testing, variants of unknown significance, when re-testing makes sense, and when and if famil...

The company is expanding the trial to enroll younger patients with less advanced disease

Aaron Osborne, MD, chief medical officer and chief development officer at Nanoscope Therapeutics, talks about vision restoration in clinical trials of the company's optogenetic therapy for people with advanced vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease.

Known as The Lighthouse Study, the Phase 1/2 trial is expected to begin in mid-2023