ARPA-H Total Human Eye-allotransplantation Innovation Advancement (THEIA) Project

ARPA-H THEIA Program - Whole Eye Transplant Research

Overview: Transformative research program funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) aimed at achieving the first functional whole eye transplant to restore sight to those with previously untreatable blindness.

Funding Agency: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) - Federal Government

Award Amount: Up to $46 million

Project Duration: Six-year effort

Project Name: Total Human Eye-allotransplantation Innovation Advancement (THEIA)

Lead Institution: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Number of Collaborators: More than 40 world-class scientists, surgeons, and researchers

Target Population: Individuals with previously untreatable blindness and incurable blinding conditions

Geographic Scope: National and international collaboration

Research Focus Areas:

Achieving functional whole eye transplant capability (cosmetic transplant demonstrated in 2023)

Optic nerve regeneration - transmitting signals from eye to brain

Prevention of scar formation limiting regenerative capacity

Novel preservation methods for tissue viability

Extended viability techniques for optic nerves

Regenerative medicine approaches

Cutting-edge technology integration

Surgical innovation

LWVI's Role:

Study changes in optic nerve after globe recovery

Investigate novel preservation methods

Develop innovative techniques to extend optic nerve viability

Collaborate with Johns Hopkins University and CU Anschutz researchers

Leverage decades of expertise in cornea recovery and preservation

Key Research Partners at Johns Hopkins University:

Professor Thomas Johnson

Professor Seth Blackshaw

Professor Jeff Mumm

Professor Donald Zack

Professor Kannan Rangaramanujam

LWVI Leadership:

James Foster, PhD, Scientific Director of LWVI

Organization: Lions World Vision Institute (nonprofit 501(c)(3), Federal Tax ID #01-0843838)

Contact:

1410 N. 21st St., Tampa, FL 33605

Phone: (813) 289-1200

Email: info@lwvi.org

Website: www.lwvi.org