US$125 Million Investment Targets Eye Transplant Technology to Restore Vision

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a landmark investment of up to US$125 million to pioneer full human eye transplantation aimed at restoring vision for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This initiative, titled the Transplantation of Human Eye Allografts (THEA) program, represents a major leap forward in both transplantation and neuroscience research.

For decades, medical science has struggled to reverse blindness caused by optic nerve damage or degeneration. THEA aims to develop the first-ever complete eye transplant that reconnects nerves and restores communication between the brain and the transplanted eye.

“Modern medicine can correct certain vision problems, but restoring lost vision remains one of the biggest medical challenges,” said Dr. Renee Wegrzyn, ARPA-H Director. “THEA intends to revolutionize eye transplantation, pushing the boundaries of regenerative therapies and neuroscience. With this program, we’re tackling blindness at its root cause and aiming to provide new hope for millions.”

Calvin Roberts, M.D., THEA’s Program Manager, underscored the significance of solving nerve reconnection: “By reattaching donor eyes, reconnecting nerves, and restoring blood vessels, THEA offers a solution to regenerate vision pathways. These breakthroughs could also unlock treatments for broader neurological conditions like spinal cord injuries.”

THEA will focus on three core technical areas:

• Donor Eye Retrieval and Maintenance: Optimizing the health and usability of donor eyes for transplantation.
• Optic Nerve Repair and Regeneration: Developing therapies to repair and reconnect neural pathways from the eye to the brain.
• Surgical Procedures and Post-Operative Care: Creating strategies for transplanting eyes and evaluating patient recovery and functional vision outcomes.

ARPA-H has selected a multidisciplinary group of research institutions and companies to lead THEA’s initiatives:

• InGel Therapeutics (Allston, MA): Focusing on 3D-printed click-lock gel scaffolds to house stem cell-derived retinal cells.
• Stanford University: Advancing donor eye procurement methods, enhancing transplanted cell survival, and innovating transplant surgery techniques.
• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus: Developing bioelectronic tools for nerve regeneration and transplant success.
• University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute: Leading donor eye preservation efforts using advanced ECMO technology to maintain tissue viability.

THEA’s breakthroughs are expected to provide solutions not only for restoring vision but also for addressing other forms of neurodegeneration and trauma. In addition to blindness caused by glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, ARPA-H’s advancements in nerve regeneration could extend to treating spinal cord injuries and related neurological conditions.

To learn more about the THEA program and ARPA-H’s initiatives, visit the program page.