Glaucoma Research Advances Highlighted at Boston Meeting
BOSTON, MA – Cutting-edge research into the immune systemS role in glaucoma progression took centre stage at the Collaborative Catalyst for a Cure (CFC) meeting held recently in Boston. Scientists presented breakthroughs identifying novel immune cells at the optic nerve head and uncovering new connections between brain and eye diseases, fueling optimism for future therapies to combat the leading cause of preventable blindness.
Glaucoma affects millions worldwide, progressively damaging the optic nerve and leading to vision loss. Currently, treatments primarily focus on managing intraocular pressure, but a cure remains elusive. The CFC, a research initiative, aims to accelerate the growth of neuroprotective and regenerative therapies. This year’s meeting showcased meaningful strides toward that goal, with findings suggesting that cells located near blood vessels exhibit increased resistance to cell death – a crucial observation for potential therapeutic interventions.
Drs.Jeffrey Goldberg and Adriana Di Polo, Chairs of the CFC Scientific Advisory Board, expressed strong encouragement regarding the advancements presented by the CFC4 team – Drs. Sandro Da Mesquita, Milica Margeta, Karthik Shekhar, and Humsa Venkatesh. “These breakthroughs highlight how immune and glial cell dysregulation contribute to vision loss in glaucoma and related disorders,” Dr.Di Polo stated. “Moast importantly, they bring us closer to therapies that slow disease progression and protect sight.”
Dr. Goldberg echoed this sentiment, noting the “remarkable” progress building on the work of CFC3. “The team has pushed research on neuroprotection and regeneration in glaucoma pre-clinical models to new frontiers,” he said. “The prospects for translating these discoveries to human therapies has never been more compelling.”
The research is supported by the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF),a national non-profit organization established in 1978. To date, GRF has invested over $90 million in glaucoma research, funding studies worldwide to improve understanding, detection, and treatment of the disease. GRF serves as a leading resource for patients and families impacted by glaucoma.
