Florey Medal Gene Therapy Tackles Leading Cause of Blindness in the Elderly

Vision News Autumn 2018 Florey Medal Gene therapy tackles leading cause of blindness in the elderly The pioneering scientist behind a potential new gene therapy treatment for a leading cause of blindness has won national recognition for her work. Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy has been awarded the 2017 CSL Florey Medal for significant lifetime achievement in biomedical science and/or human health advancement. She joins an elite list of past Florey Medallists including Nobel Laureates Barry Marshall and Robin Warren, Ian Frazer and Graeme Clark. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt congratulates Professor Rakoczy at the Florey Medal presentation Professor Rakoczy, head of the Lions Eye (Photo credit: AAMRI/Brad Cummings Photography) Institute’s Molecular Ophthalmology research group, helped develop a new gene therapy for “The new gene therapy promises to replace wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), monthly injections with a one-off treatment,” which leads to rapid vision loss and affects more Professor Rakoczy said. than 110,000 older Australians. “The gene therapy involves a single injection Wet AMD occurs when there is an overproduction of a modified and harmless version of a virus of the protein vascular endothelial growth factor containing a specific gene that stimulates supply (VEGF) in the retina. VEGF helps support oxygen of a protein which then blocks over-production supply to tissue when circulation is inadequate. of VEGF. The eye becomes a ‘bio-factory’ – When too much VEGF is produced it can cause producing its own treatment for wet AMD.” disease, including blood vessel disease in The gene therapy is not commercially available the eye. yet but Professor Rakoczy hopes that in the Current treatment for wet AMD is intensive and future, millions of people suffering from wet AMD intrusive – involving regular injections of anti-VEGF will be able to have single injection therapy to drugs that limit production of the protein. control their condition. Continued on next page... Lions Eye Institute | 2 Verdun St Nedlands | 9381 0777 | www.lei.org.au RANZCO showcases latest advances in eye care LEI Managing Director Professor David Mackey hosted a discussion with Professor Fiona Stanley and Professor Fiona Wood at the RANZCO Congress in Perth Eye doctors from all over discussion with child and The Royal Australia and the world maternal health expert Australian and converged on Perth late Professor Fiona Stanley and New Zealand last year for the 49th burns specialist Professor College of RANZCO Congress. Fiona Wood, moderated by LEI Ophthalmologists Managing Director Professor (RANZCO) is the medical Co-convened by the LEI’s David Mackey. college responsible Dr Fred Chen and Dr Angus for the training and Turner, the congress showcased The Lions Outback Vision Van professional development the latest advances in eye care was available for tours and of ophthalmologists in and provided an opportunity proved to be a major lure for Australia and New Zealand. for professional development delegates. Many also took time RANZCO’s mission is to drive and networking. to tour the LEI as well as take improvements in eye health in many of Perth’s attractions. One of the highlights of the care through exceptional four-day event was “Challenges The next RANZCO Congress will training, education, research for women in leadership”, a be held in Adelaide in 2019. and advocacy. Florey Medal funding organisations and patients with Continued from cover... wet AMD. Professor Rakoczy said the gene therapy The gene therapy has been the subject research could not have been possible without of human trials run by Professor Ian the support of a large number of scientists, Constable at the Lions Eye Institute (LEI). 2 Autumn 2018 Newly identified type of immune cells are first line of defence in body’s fight against viral infection New research has shown how a recently identified sub-set of immune cells act as the body’s first responders to viral infection. In collaboration with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, LEI researchers found that tissue-resident type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) serve an essential early role in fighting infection through rapid production of an important anti-viral protein. The findings, published in the highly-prestigious journal Cell, challenge the belief that the body’s immune response to viral infection is primarily dealt with by other well described immune cells. The LEI’s Dr Iona Schuster said ILC1s had only been identified and described in the last few Dr Iona Schuster is involved in ground-breaking research involving immune cell response years and their role in the immune response to viral infection had not been well understood other cells in the tissue, they respond extremely until now. fast and execute a previously unappreciated “This paper is the first time we’ve managed protective function. to show that ILC1s play a really important “They help control viruses before the big guns role in the early response to viral infection,” – other immune lymphocytes known as natural Dr Schuster said. killer cells and T cells – are recruited into battle “They’re like the foot soldiers, they are present in to control the infection.” a tissue for immediate surveillance and when a Dr Schuster said a better understanding of virus comes in, following activation signals from ILC1s could lead to better management of viral infection in future. “This research is putting a LEI Director of Research Professor Mariapia Degli- missing piece in the puzzle Esposti said ongoing studies were examining the role of this new cell population in responses to that will lead to major infection at other barrier sites, such as the eye, changes in understanding and were also investigating the role they play in response to malignancy. and controlling viral “These are pioneering studies and the future is infection and cancer.” very exciting,” she said. Lions Eye Institute 3 Telehealth is improving eye care outcomes in remote Western Australia The LEI’s Lions Outback Vision is successfully directly listed for surgery as a result of telehealth using telehealth to make eye health delivery consultations with three significant benefits: more efficient and accessible in remote parts • Eliminating the “wait for the waiting list” – of Western Australia. often a one-year wait for outpatients prior to Telehealth allows ophthalmologists, optometrists being placed on the surgery waiting list. and other health professionals to use technology • Patients are getting better service, follow-up – typically real-time videoconferencing – to consult, and improvement in visual outcomes. screen, diagnose and book remote-area patients • Primary health care is being more in for surgery. appropriately managed by optometry with Dr Angus Turner, McCusker Director, Lions less duplication of patient assessment. Outback Vision (LOV), said the growth in Dr Turner said “The main driver for our team telehealth consultations was having a positive providing the telehealth service is that it saves impact on eye health outcomes in the bush. many patients having to travel vast distances “We have seen real engagement with telehealth and allows access to eye care in a more services, with almost perfect attendance rates timely manner.” and very high patient satisfaction,” he said. “In 2012, we conducted an average of 11 telehealth consultations each month. Last year, that number had risen to more than 100 per month. “The evolution of telehealth has enabled the service we provide to move from pilot studies and novelty projects to an integrated daily service that has an impact by reducing waiting times, providing continuity of care and improving efficiency of outreach ophthalmology trips. “All this leads to better outcomes for patients and improved satisfaction with the service.” Local optometrists have been key to the success of the telehealth program, having the cameras and technology for excellent eye imaging as well as clinical skills to provide ocular assessment. Over time, the nature of referrals to LOV ophthalmologists has changed from acute presentations to surgical referrals. Associate Professor Angus Turner conducts Surgical management has increased since a telehealth session with a patient 2012 and 50 per cent of patients are now being 4 Autumn 2018 Acclaimed artist Lions raise $10,000 supports our vision to support Ian Constable Chair with generous gift The Lions Save-Sight Foundation It comes as no (LSSF) and Lions Clubs have made surprise that an a $10,000 contribution to the new artist would value Ian Constable Chair in Discovery and her eyesight – but Translational Ophthalmic Science. for acclaimed Western Australian The money was presented by LSSF artist Miriam Chairman PCC Ambrose Depiazzi OAM Stannage, ideas to inaugural Chairman of the Lions Eye about sight and Institute PDG Dr Brian King AM MBE. seeing were also “With this donation, the LSSF and central themes Lions Clubs continue to support sight in her work. saving initiatives in Western Australia,” One of her earlier Dr King said. works was titled “They played a crucial role in the Mona Lisa with development of the LEI and have cataract – and later in supported Ian Constable in his drive Prominent artist Miriam Stannage her career she used to prevent and cure blindness over his has left a great legacy to Western surveillance cameras long and distinguished career.” Australian eye research through a as a recurring theme. generous bequest The Ian Constable Chair in Discovery Describing her work and Translational Ophthalmic Science at the opening of a major exhibition, Professor Helen Ennis will focus on new treatments for major from the Australian National University’s Centre for Art blinding diseases such as cataract and History and Art Theory said: “… much of it appeared to macular degeneration. be looking at me via various optical devices Miriam had attached to them (mirrors, cameras, sensors) and the For further information on the Ian insistent signage that we are being surveyed.” Constable Chair please contact Alisa Guillory on 9381 0708.

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