#USA #Columbia #regenerative medicine #retinal diseases #Foundation Fighting Blindness

Free Webinar on Advancements in Regenerative Medicine

In an exciting development for the field of ophthalmology, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is set to host a free webinar titled "Rebuilding Vision: Regenerative Medicine and Clinical Trials in IRD and Dry AMD." Scheduled for March 24, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, this online event is specifically designed for eye care professionals who want to delve deeper into the promising advancements in regenerative medicine tailored for retinal diseases, including inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Exploring Regenerative Approaches

The webinar will feature a variety of expert presentations, each addressing critical aspects of regenerative medicine. Participants can expect to gain insights into cutting-edge research surrounding stem cell-derived photoreceptor therapies and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) treatments. These therapies are beginning to show promise in combating conditions that currently lack effective treatments aimed at restoring vision.

Michelle Glaze, the Director of Professional Outreach at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, emphasizes, "Regenerative medicine represents one of the most promising frontiers in our fight against inherited retinal diseases." The webinar is an opportunity for professionals to learn and engage with the latest research and therapeutic strategies that could reshape the lives of those affected by vision loss.

A Deep Dive into Research and Imaging Techniques

The session will furnish attendees with an extensive overview of advanced cellular imaging techniques, crucial for evaluating the success rates of stem cell therapies post-transplantation. Participants will discover how high-resolution imaging and advanced detection methods are enhancing capabilities to monitor donor-derived RPE cells in real-time, thus improving treatment methodologies moving forward.

Expert Panelists Leading the Discussion

Attendees will hear from several notable presenters:

• - Chad Jackson, PhD, Senior Director at Foundation Fighting Blindness, brings over two decades of experience in biomedical sciences, focusing on translating research into viable clinical solutions for inherited retinal diseases.
• - Katie Beasley, PharmD, a clinical leader at BlueRock Therapeutics, has worked extensively on gene therapy assets for retinal degenerations and is well-versed in developing therapies from bench to bedside.
• - Yannis M. Paulus, MD, FACS, from the Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye Institute, integrates multidisciplinary approaches to retinal imaging and therapy developments.
• - Jeff Stern, PhD, MD, founder of Luxa Biotechnology, focuses on developing RPE cell therapies for dry AMD, possessing a rich background in biophysics and the clinical applications of regenerative medicine.

Through their diverse expertise, these professionals aim to provide an enriched learning experience, discussing not only the state of current treatments but also the potential future developments in the field.

How to Register

For those interested in attending, registration for the event can be done easily online. Interested participants are encouraged to RSVP at this link to secure their spot.

About the Foundation Fighting Blindness

Founded in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness stands at the forefront of research funding dedicated to retinal degenerative diseases. With nearly $1 billion raised, the organization’s mission centers on advancing treatments and cures for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and Stargardt disease. For more information, visit FightingBlindness.org.

This webinar represents a distinctive opportunity to stay informed about rapid advancements in regenerative medicine and its applications in restoring vision, illustrating the hope and progress in the fight against retinal diseases.