» Gene therapy for recessive RP shows preliminary proof-of-concept in pre-clinical studies....New research published in the journal Human Gene Therapy has demonstrated the rescue of a rare retinal degeneration in a recessive model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The research, conducted by Dr. Astra Dinculescu at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, used a viral vector to deliver a functioning copy of the MFRP (membrane-type frizzled-related protein) gene into a murine model of MFRP related RP. Results showed rescue of rod and cone photoreceptors and demonstrated successful expression of the delivered MFRP gene in the RPE (retinal pigment epithelium).
Date Posted: 01/02/2012
» Advanced Cell Technologies (ACT) provide first report on transplanting human embryonic stem cells into human patients ....A first report on the 4-month follow up of two patients that received sub-retinal injections of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE has been published in The Lancet (Jan 23, 2012). The study, led by Prof. Steven Schwartz at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, was sponsored by the Santa Monica-based biotech company, Advanced Cell Technology, Inc (OTCBB: ACTC). Preliminary data from the treatments provided to a patient with dry age-related macular degeneration and a patient with Stargardt's macular dystrophy appeared to be well tolerated and had no serious adverse events.
Date Posted: 01/02/2012
» Regeneron & Genentech (almost) settle their VEGF trap dispute....Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (REGN, Tarrytown, New York) has announced a non-exclusive license and partial settlement with Genentech (RHHBY.PK, a unit of the Roche group) related to US sales of the recently launched Eylea product (aflibercept). However, the companies remain in dispute over a number of the same patents in relation to Regeneron's "Zaltrap", a formulation of aflibercept currently in Phase III trials for colorectal and prostrate cancer.
Date Posted: 01/02/2012
» Major breakthrough in understanding of AMD pathology shows link between complement factor H (CFH) and oxidative stress ....A research team, based at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CeMM), Austrian Academy of Sciences, has achieved a major breakthrough in the understanding of how certain alleles of complement factor H (CFH) increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The report on the research team's findings, published in the journal Nature, fill in a considerable part of the CFH story originally discovered by a number of research groups in 2005. The new research identifies malondialdehyde ("MDA") â€" a decomposition product of lipid peroxidation - as a ligand of CFH which may now explain how the original risk association operates at a molecular level. More critically, the new research shows how normal CFH may prevent MDA-mediated inflammation in RPE and macrophage cells giving rise to opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Date Posted: 01/02/2012
Dear EURETINA Members,
A very warm welcome to the February 1st 2012 edition of EURETINA's web-based digital magazine, "EURETINA Brief".
EURETINA are delighted to continue our delivery of up to date summary briefs on a range of topics of interest to retinal specialists across Europe. This resource is designed to accommodate the very busy schedules of all our members by providing them with a short overview of some new developments and announcements in our field over recent weeks.
In this issue you will notice the incorporation of a feedback section where you can comment on any of the news items or articles under discussion. Previous articles and issues can be found in the archive section on the left hand panel.
The current issue highlights a number of recent developments including new research published in the journal Human Gene Therapy demonstrating rescue of a rare retinal degeneration caused by mutations of the MFRP (membrane-type frizzled-related protein) gene; a first report on the 4-month follow up of two patients who received sub-retinal injections of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE - a first of its kind study study, led by Prof. Steven Schwartz at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA and, finally; an announcement by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc of a non-exclusive license and partial settlement with Genentech related to US sales of the recently launched Eylea product (aflibercept).
Finally, our feature bio-ophthalmology article reports on exciting research from a team, based at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CeMM), Austrian Academy of Sciences, highlighting a major breakthrough in the understanding of how certain alleles of complement factor H (CFH) increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The new research identifies malondialdehyde (MDA) - a decomposition product of lipid peroxidation - as a ligand of CFH which may now explain how the original risk association operates at a molecular level.
As always, increased interaction by you with the EURETINA web community serves to expand your professional network and keep you up to date with the latest initiatives, activities and research in your field. Our hope is that such cross-fertilisation in an active web-based platform will lead to increased collaborative opportunities and ultimately to improved patient care. All readers are invited to submit comments or responses to any of the stories featured and we look forward to hearing from you over the coming month.
Best wishes,
Dr. Gearóid Tuohy, EURETINA