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

ARPA-H THEIA Program - Whole Eye Transplant Research

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

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