ARPA-H Transplantation of Human Eye Allografts (THEA) Program / Total Human Eye-allotransplantation Innovation Advancement (THEIA)

ARPA-H Transplantation of Human Eye Allografts (THEA) Program

Also Known As: Total Human Eye-allotransplantation Innovation Advancement (THEIA) Project

Project Duration: Six-year effort

Purpose: To achieve the first functional whole eye transplant, restoring sight to those with previously untreatable blindness.

Geographic Scope: United States (multi-institutional collaboration)

Focus Areas:

• Vision restoration through whole eye transplantation
• Optic nerve regeneration
• Prevention of scar formation limiting regenerative capacity
• Regenerative medicine and surgical innovation
• Cutting-edge technology development

Lead Institution: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Key Collaborating Institutions:

• Johns Hopkins University
• Lions World Vision Institute (research partner)

Research Team Members:

• Professor Thomas Johnson, Johns Hopkins University
• Professor Seth Blackshaw, Johns Hopkins University
• Professor Jeff Mumm, Johns Hopkins University
• Professor Donald Zack, Johns Hopkins University
• Professor Kannan Rangaramanujam, Johns Hopkins University
• Dr. James Foster, PhD, Scientific Director of LWVI

LWVI Role: Will collaborate on:

• Studying changes in the optic nerve after globe recovery
• Investigating novel methods to preserve tissue viability required for transplantation
• Developing innovative techniques to extend the time optic nerves remain viable

Background: While a cosmetic whole eye transplant was first demonstrated in 2023, this research aims to achieve functional transplantation capable of restoring vision. This is a groundbreaking multi-institutional research initiative involving more than 40 world-class scientists, surgeons, and researchers.

Contact Information:

• Lions World Vision Institute
• 1410 N. 21st St., Tampa, FL 33605
• (813) 289-1200
• 1200 6th Avenue, Suite 310, Seattle, WA 98101
• (800) 214-6356
• info@lwvi.org