First human optogenetics vision trial

Retina Foundation of the Southwest scientists, in a study sponsored by Retrosense Therapeutics, will for the first time use optogenetics — a combination of gene therapy and light to  control nerve cells – in an attempt to restore human sight.  Previously, optogenetic therapies were only tested on mice and monkeys.

Viruses with DNA from light-sensitive algae will be injected into the eye’s ganglion cells, which transmit signals from the retina to the brain, in an attempt to make them directly responsive to light.  15 legally blind patients will participate in the study, which was first reported by the MIT Technology Review.


Wearable Tech + Digital Health San Francisco – April 5, 2016 @ the Mission Bay Conference Center

NeuroTech San Francisco – April 6, 2016 @ the Mission Bay Conference Center

Wearable Tech + Digital Health NYC – June 7, 2016 @ the New York Academy of Sciences

NeuroTech NYC – June 8, 2016 @ the New York Academy of Sciences


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