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Partner Focus: Laraine and David Gerber
Vision scientists are on the threshold of genetic therapies for diseases
that rob people of their sight; in particular, hereditary and degenerative
diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which up to now have defied
treatment. It is anticipated that gene therapies will be developed for
other intractable vision disorders as well, including glaucoma, diabetic
retinopathy and macular degeneration. Institute faculty have been successful
in applying gene therapy to animal models of RP in the laboratory, and
it is hoped that research will move into the clinical arena in the not-too-distant
future. As this exciting, new medical treatment comes close to implementation,
a coordinated basic and clinical research base is essential. Recognizing
this opportunity to make a difference, the Laraine and David Gerber Genetic
Eye Research Center was established as the first step in creating the Institute's
Vision Genetics Center. The JSEI Partners and others have now joined this
effort.
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