A pioneering European initiative, RESTORE VISION, is spearheading the development of innovative treatments for rare ocular disorders. This ambitious project, funded by the European Commission with €8 million, unites six research institutions, three small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and patient organizations. The collaborative effort aims to enhance eye health and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.
The Ocular Neurobiology laboratory at the Institute for Neurosciences, a joint center of Miguel Hernández University in Elche and the Spanish National Research Council, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Researchers have made significant strides in understanding corneal sensitivity and nerve regeneration. They have identified key neurons involved in detecting temperature changes on the eye's surface and developed an experimental model to study nerve recovery in the cornea. These advancements hold promise for developing treatments that can restore normal function to the immune, vascular, and nervous systems of the ocular surface.
Among the seven rare diseases being studied, aniridia stands out as a condition affecting one in every 80,000 people. Characterized by the partial or complete absence of the iris, aniridia can lead to severe complications like cataracts, glaucoma, and blindness. While there is currently no cure, early intervention through visual stimulation and specialized lenses can help manage symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. The RESTORE VISION project also focuses on neurotrophic keratopathy and other rare ocular surface diseases, aiming to identify existing drugs and develop new therapies.
Recent studies from the Ocular Neurobiology laboratory provide valuable insights into the functioning of cold-sensitive trigeminal neurons in the cornea. Understanding how these neurons operate could be crucial for designing treatments that restore nerve function in patients with rare eye diseases. Additionally, the lab has created a novel method to study nerve regeneration using controlled lesions in adult mice, which may offer clues about nerve recovery in humans.
The RESTORE VISION project is progressing towards clinical trials, with documents being finalized for submission to ethics committees and regulatory bodies. This collective effort brings together scientists, medical professionals, and industry leaders to transform the treatment landscape for rare eye diseases. By accelerating access to medical innovations, RESTORE VISION ensures that groundbreaking therapies reach those who need them most, fostering hope and improving lives.