Precision medicine for inherited retinal degenerations
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11380821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing overview of a research project to uncover genetic causes of inherited retinal degenerations and develop therapies to prevent vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 1999 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $692,317 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY012910-29 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with inherited retinal degenerations or suspected genetic causes of vision loss who may benefit from future genetic or therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without IRD or without a genetic basis for their vision loss may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to find the genetic causes of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) and understand how gene mutations lead to retinal damage. Researchers will explore why about one-third of IRD patients still lack a genetic diagnosis and how different gene changes affect light-sensing cells and supporting cells in the eye. By combining genetic findings with studies of disease mechanisms, the work seeks to pave the way for gene-based and neuroprotective therapies that could preserve or restore vision. The project is conducted at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, led by Dr. Eric A. Pierce, with a focus on translating discoveries into new treatments for people with IRDs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable precise genetic diagnoses and guide the development of targeted therapies to prevent or slow vision loss in IRD patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous IRD genetic studies have identified many disease genes, and advances in genetic therapies show promise for broader application.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pierce, Eric a — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Pierce, Eric a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.