Founded in 1971 to support the development of treatments and cures for inherited retinal degenerative diseases, the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) funds 134 research studies and over 70 eye hospitals and research institutions. Research initiatives supported by the FFB include a breakthrough gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a form of retinitis pigmentosa caused by a specific gene mutation.

1. Research Initiatives Supported by
the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Thomas Chalberg

2. Introduction
 Founded in 1971 to support the development of
treatments and cures for inherited retinal degenerative
diseases, the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) funds
134 research studies and over 70 eye hospitals and
research institutions. Research initiatives supported by
the FFB include a breakthrough gene therapy for Leber
congenital amaurosis (LCA), a form of retinitis
pigmentosa caused by a specific gene mutation.
Sponsored by Spark Therapeutics and conducted at
hospitals in the United States and United Kingdom, the
study demonstrated an improved ability to complete a
mobility course in participants who received the
experimental treatment. Spark Therapeutics is currently
seeking FDA approval for the therapy.

3. Foundation Fighting Blindness
 Lab research funded by the FFB also contributed to
a stem cell therapy developed by UK-based
ReNeuron, which may improve vision in people with
Usher syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa. Together
with institutions such as the Massachusetts Eye and
Ear Infirmary and Schepens Eye Research Institute,
ReNeuron began transplanting photoreceptor
precursors into patients with degenerative retinal
diseases. The company recently received FDA
authorization to conduct Phase I and II trials of the
stem cell therapy.
For more information on research sponsored by the
FFB, visit www.blindness.org.