Daily Archives: 2012/03/14

Gene Therapy in Ophthalmology Update 10: Gene Therapy Research in Dogs Cures X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa – Paves the Way for Similar Treatment in Humans

2012/03/14
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Researchers at several universities and laboratories collaborated to treat dogs afflicted with the x-linked form of retinitis pigmentosa, to deliver the therapeutic RPGR gene specifically to the diseased rods and cones, which led to functional and structural recovery. This is the first proof that this condition is treatable in an animal model and the researchers feel the results are promising and relevant for translation to humans afflicted with this disease.

The results have been published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Here are twin news releases from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of (Read more...)

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Horizon scanning: Positive phase III data for OMS302 intraoperative ocular drug

2012/03/14
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Source: BioSpace
Area: News
According to a Biospace report, positive phase III data have been reported for Omeros' experimental ocular drug, OMS302. The drug is a combination of the anti-inflammatory agent ketorolac and the mydriatic agent phenylephrine and is intended for the maintenance of mydrioasis (pupil dilation) and reduction of post-operative pain during cataract and other lens replacement surgery.   The multicenter, double-blind, phase III clinical trial randomised 405 patients to either OMS302 or placebo. The primary endpoint, maintenance of intraoperative mydriasis, which is critical to the safety and surgical ease of lens replacement surgery, was met (p<0.00001).   OMS302 also demonstrated statistical superiority (p<0.00001) over placebo in reduction of pain in the early postoperative period.   The most common adverse events were eye pain, eye inflammation, headache and increased intraocular pressure with frequency being similar between the two groups. ...

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Scientists grow rudimentary retina structure from blood cells

2012/03/14
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For the first time, scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made early retina structures containing proliferating neuroretinal progenitor cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from human blood.

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Brain And Eye Abnormalities In Astronauts Caused By Prolonged Space Travel

2012/03/14
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the eyes and brains of 27 astronauts who have spent prolonged periods of time in space revealed optical abnormalities similar to those that can occur in intracranial hypertension of unknown cause, a potentially serious condition in which pressure builds within the skull. A retrospective analysis of the MRI data appears online in the journal Radiology...

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