Retina Australia is delighted to welcome Dr Anai Gonzalez-Cordero, from the Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney, Dr Ceecee Britten-Jones from the Centre for Eye Research, Melbourne, and Retina Australia Board Member Dino Farronato to present this webinar.
The use of cell therapy in the development of a universal therapy for inherited retinal blindness
Presenter: Dr Anai Gonzalez-Cordero, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney
Dr Gonzalez-Cordero will present an overview of her research on developing cell therapy to develop a universal therapy for inherited retinal blindness. She will explain how stem cell technology, including retinal organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells, serve as an ideal source of cells, specifically the light-sensing cells of the eye, the photoreceptors for transplantation. Efficacy for this approach has been establish during years of research and now her team is testing new methodologies to improve transplantation outcomes as well as translating the current approaches to good manufacturing practice (GMP) methods. Dr Gonzalez-Cordero will cover the pathway towards developing this advanced therapy.
Decoding the genetic puzzle of inherited retinal diseases through collaborative research
Presenter: Dr Ceecee Britten-Jones, Centre for Eye Research, Melbourne
With advancing genetic technologies, having an accurate genetic diagnosis is increasingly important for managing inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and accessing new gene therapy treatments. However, not everyone undergoing genetic testing can receive a confirmed diagnosis. Challenges remain in analysing and interpreting genetic data to provide answers for all individuals with IRDs. Working together to deepen this understanding is critical for improving individual care and has broader implications for advancing research and developing new therapies.
Dr Ceecee Britten-Jones leads genetic research studies at the Centre for Eye Research Australia and the University of Melbourne, working alongside the team on the Victorian Evolution of IRDs Natural History Registry (VENTURE). In this presentation, she will provide an overview of the new genetic research initiatives her team is leading and their impact on advancing IRD research and access to therapies. Ceecee will also talk about the current state of genetic research in IRDs, the processes required to achieve a diagnosis, and their team’s collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for individuals living with IRDs.
The VENTURE study - a participant's view
Presenter: Dino Farronato, Retina Australia Board Member
Dino faces the challenges of dealing with an inherited retinal disease on a daily basis. He was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in his early 30s and is constantly adapting to consequential changes to his vision. He is committed to supporting others affected by inherited retinal diseases, as well as raising the funds required to provide grants for innovative research into such diseases.
Dino will briefly discuss his involvement in the VENTURE clinical and genetic study conducted by CERA. He will cover his motivation for joining the study; his experience as a participant and the follow-up once the genetic testing was completed.
Past Webinars
May 2024
Research Update Event – Geographic atrophy and AMD
October 2023
Vision Loss Priority Setting Partnership and an Introduction to Stem Cell & Gene Therapies
August 2023