A University of Bristol, UK, study has shown glaucoma could be successfully treated with a single injection using gene therapy, which would improve treatment options, effectiveness and the overall quality of a patient’s life.
The research team used CRISPR gene editing technology to deactivate the gene Aquaporin 1, in an effort to reduce eye pressure in experimental mouse models of glaucoma and human donor tissue.
“We hope to advance towards clinical trials for this new treatment in the near future,” said Dr Colin Chu, Visiting Senior Research Fellow. “If it’s successful it could allow a long-term treatment of glaucoma with a single eye injection, which would improve the quality of life for many patients whilst saving the NHS (UK National Health Service) time and money.”
