Research News
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is committed to funding sight-saving research across Canada and to keeping Canadians living with vision loss informed about the latest developments in vision research. News items and resources about emerging research are listed here. You can also see past issues of our monthly Vision Research e-News here!
Feb 8, 2012 - New Canadian research points the way to preventing childhood cancer
New reserach by Toronto scientist, Dr. Rod Bremner may offer a way to prevent retinoblastoma
Feb 7, 2012 - Gene Therapy for x-linked retinitis pigmentosa
Newly published studies show success in large animals and progress towards human trials
Jan 24, 2012 - Wide-Spread Media Reports on Stem Cell Trials for AMD and Starsgardt disease
Very preliminary results are being reported today from two clinical trials of an embryonic stem cell treatment for Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Jan 23, 2012 - Nanoparticle treatment may prove useful for treating retinal degenerative diseases
Scientists show that nanoparticles can be used to reduce inflammation and delay damage to the retina
Jan 16, 2012 - Another Group of Stem Cells Discovered in the Human Eye
Cells might offer additional option for therapies
Dec 8, 2011 - Health Canada Issues a Statement on Use of Avastin® to treat Wet AMD
Nov 21, 2011 - New Wet AMD Drug Approved in the United States
EYLEA® similar to other available drugs with less frequent injections
Nov 14, 2011 - Increasing Dose of Wet AMD Drug doesn't Increase Efficacy
Nov 4, 2011 - First Trial for Choroideremia Begins in England
Novel gene therapy being tested
Oct 21, 2011 - International AMD Organization Urges Changes to Avastin® Use for wet AMD
Oct 18, 2011 - Trial of a Gene Therapy for Usher Syndrome to Begin
This therapy is only for people with Usher type 1B
Oct 13, 2011 - Aspirin and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Learn about the research prompting media stories on AMD and aspirin
Sept 29, 2011 - Birth Control Drug May Slow Vision Cell Death
Norgestrel may be a potential treatment for retinitis pigmentosa
Sept 16, 2011 - Cell Biology Conference Held in Vancouver
Sept 14, 2011 - Health Canada Approves Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Wet AMD drug, Lucentis® can now be used for DME
Sept 9, 2011 - A Breakthrough on How the Eye Senses Motion
Research reveal the neurons that allow the eye to sense motion
August 18, 2011 - New Treatment for Renal Vein Occlusion Approved in Canada
Wet AMD drug can now be used to treat vision loss due to retinal vein occlusion
August 16, 2011 - Improving the Delivery of Gene Therapy
Scientists are testing different viral vectors for gene therapy
August 4, 2011 - Drug Treatment Benefits Some People with the Optic Nerve Disease LHON
New clinical trial findings for idebenone treatment.
July 1, 2011 - Five New Research Projects Funded By FFB
Learn about the next projects your donations are supporting.
June 14, 2011 - Glaucoma Eye Drops for Retinal Diseases
Retinitis pigmentosa trial shows positive results, dry AMD trial soon
May 27, 2011 - Refinements in Stem Cell Transplants Continue
A new study demonstrates the growing potential of stem cells to one day restore a damaged retina
Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology Meeting Reports, May 1 - May 5, 2011
May 6, 2011 - Comparing Treatments for Wet AMD
May 5, 2011 - Electronic Devices to Restore Vision
May 4, 2011 - Learning How to Re-grow Damaged Photoreceptors
May 4, 2011 - Surveying the Health of People with Choroideremia
May 3, 2011 - Promising Findings for Leber Congenital Amaurosis Trial
May 3, 2011 - Therapies being Studied for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
May 2, 2011 - Gene Therapies Emerging for Multiple Retinal Degenerative Disorders
May 2, 2011 - Canadian Scientists Work Towards Gene Therapies (Retinoschisis, Stargardt MD)
May 1, 2011 - Visual Flashes Experienced by People with Retinal Degenerative Disorders
May 1, 2011 - Do People Who Have Lost Their Vision to LCA Still Have Salvageable Photoreceptors?
April 25, 2011 - High Levels of Vitamin D Associated With a Lower Risk of AMD
A study of American women suggests including vitamin D in your diet.
April 20, 2011 - Seeking Solutions for Congenital Stationary Night Blindness
Researchers at the University of Calgary seek therapies
April 11, 2011 - Genetic mutations in one’s own stem cells can be corrected before transplantation
A new approach will make it easier to use a person's own cells for treatment of genetic diseases
March 24, 2011 - Stargardt Gene Therapy Will Begin Trials in USA and France
A small phase 1/2 study will begin this spring.
March 22, 2011 - Double-Barrelled Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Retinitis Pigmentosa
Irish scientists develop a new approach to gene therapy for autosomal dominant disease.
March 7, 2011 - New fact sheet added on Genetic Testing
Learn about genetic testing and what is available in Canada from our latest fact sheet.
March 4, 2011 - Argus II Retinal Prothesis Approved in Europe
This new implanted electronic device may restore some degree of sight to people who have completely lost their vision.
February 24, 2011 - DICER Enzyme May Play a Critical Role in Stopping Dry AMD
New observations about the retina may lead to a therapy for dry AMD
February 2, 2011 - Stem Cell Research - CBC’s Radio Canada International interview
The FFB's Ann Morrison, and Dr. Derek van der Kooy of the University of Toronto speaking
January 20, 2011 - Rates of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Declining
A US study shows that fewer Americans over the age of 40 are developing AMD
January 10, 2011 - Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema Approved in the European Union
Ranibizumab (Lucentis), a treatment currently used for wet AMD is beginning to be approved for other macular edemas
January 5, 2011 - Stem Cell Therapy Trial Approved in the USA for Dry AMD
American authorities approve another stem cell trial, this time for dry age-related macular degeneration.