This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides support for activities central to the refinement and completion of a study protocol and procedures necessary for implementing a clinical trial to evaluate interventions (or new treatments) that restore vision in humans through the regeneration of cells in the eye and visual system. Applicants may use this grant to support the development of a detailed MOP; conduct non-clinical (non-human) work to collect safety/toxicity data; and/or conduct preliminary studies to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of regenerative strategies.
Regenerative strategies may include the use of stem cell-derived precursors, progenitor cells, adult stem cells, and products derived from these cells (e.g., exosomes or conditioned media); and/or employ methods (e.g., gene and cell therapy) for converting endogenous cells such as glia into photoreceptors (PRCs) or retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and/or for regenerating optic nerve fibers. The planned clinical trial and any related preliminary work should use quantitative measures to evaluate the survival and integration of the regenerated cells using electrophysiology, functional imaging, behavioral measures, and/or other appropriate technology that would demonstrate circuit integration and restoration of visual function.
Funder: NIH
URL: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-22-135.html
Deadline: June 16, 2022
