€1 million grant for stem cell research centre at LV Prasad Eye Institute

Hyderabad, India: A state-of-the-art research facility, utilising an advanced scientific research approach to develop improved treatment for eye disease and disorders, has been inaugurated at the Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre in the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) at Hyderabad, India.

The Champalimaud Translational Centre of Eye Research (C-TRACER), established with the aid of a €1 million grant from the Antoni Champalimaud Foundation of Portugal, is a world class translational research facility devoted to the analysis, management and treatment of selected eye disorders using stem cell science and technology.

The new facility will enhance the vision research programme at LVPEI. Established in 1987, LVPEI not only provides quality eye care – including all forms of eye surgery and refractive care to those in need – it also investigates causes and treatment strategies of eye conditions and disease in its numerous laboratories.

Scientia Professor Brien Holden, CEO of the Institute for Eye Research, spoke at the inauguration ceremony regarding the genetics of myopia.

“The work being done at LV Prasad Eye Institute will be dramatically enhanced by the C-TRACER facility. Seeing the restoration of sight to eyes that had been badly burned and scarred through delicate surgery and the application of antilogous (own self) stem cells is nothing short of miraculous,” said Professor Holden. He added, “The foresight the Champalimaud Foundation has shown by investing in this best of world research being conducted in India, is breaking new ground.”
C-TRACER will focus on two areas of eye conditions / disorders: stem cell research and therapy for corneal and retinal disorders; and molecular genetic and biological studies of the causation of particular eye diseases and treatment methods. The laboratory will study the basic biology of eye disorders presented by patients in the LVPEI clinic, translating the results into therapeutic possibilities – from bedside to bench and back to bedside.

‘Translational research’ refers to a scientific research approach that delivers better products and patient outcomes by combining both the laboratory and clinic in research programmes. Typically this begins with the detection of a disorder in a clinical setting: the problem is then investigated in the laboratory, a product developed via interaction between the clinic and laboratory during clinical trials, followed by an evaluation of its performance as a commercial product.

The advantage is the close interaction of laboratory and clinic, allowing rapid transfer of information which leads to more effective research and clinical results and a quicker turnaround in developing treatments.

A team of 20 ophthalmologists will work with 7 scientists, 20 research fellows and associates in this five-year programme.
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Dr Nag Rao, Chair of the Board, in thanking the Champalimaud Foundation also paid tribute to the many supporters of LVPEI, including the crucial support given by the Institute for Eye Research, to both the establishment and continuing success of the LV Prasad Eye Institute.For full details see: http://www.lvpei.org/news.html