Johns Hopkins Retinal Degenerations and Visual Electrophysiology Conference 2023.
NIH
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Project Summary/Abstract This application seeks to support three biennial editions of the Johns Hopkins Retinal Degenerations and Visual Electrophysiology Conference. These meetings will continuously update early-stage investigators, trainees, clinicians, and scientists on the latest translational and clinical research on Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). In addition, the conference will address multiple identified gaps in knowledge in interpreting visual function tests, including electrophysiology and microperimetry. The meetings will be held biannually in September in Baltimore, Maryland. The specific aims covered by this conference include 1) understanding the cellular and molecular basis of selected IRDs, 2) reviewing the recommendations from the Society of Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) regarding visual neurophysiology testing, 3) reviewing the structural and functional outcome measures of IRDs, including those relevant to research subjects with ultra-low vision, 4) analyzing data and results from current treatments in development, especially those in Phase I, II, and III clinical trials and large animal studies, with an emphasis on retinal stem cells and gene therapy, and other treatment modalities, and 5) reviewing aspects relating to equitable access to clinical care and research for IRD patients, and ethical considerations unique to people with vision loss due to IRDs. The requested funds will support the attendance of trainees and early-career investigators, travel awards, and diversity awards to support women, under- represented minorities (URMs), and international participants, including those from developing countries. These meetings will be an ideal opportunity for trainees of diverse backgrounds, early-stage investigators, under- represented minorities, and international trainees to network and learn from leaders in the field of retinal degeneration. In addition, we hope this meeting will encourage multidisciplinary and international collaboration between clinicians and investigators to develop novel therapies and clinical trials end points. Project narrative Considering the current rapid development of novel treatments for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), we propose to organize a scientific conference focusing primarily on translational and clinical IRD research, to complement other basic science conferences. The proposed conference will emphasize latest developments in cell therapy, gene therapy, genome editing, pharmacotherapy and nanomedicine, artificial intelligence for case detection and progression analysis, structural and functional IRD outcome measures, Phase I–III clinical trial data, ethics and equity, and surgical delivery in humans. We have prioritized avenues to promote the participation of trainees, women, and under-represented minorities while fostering international ideas exchange.
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