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

Funder: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

Award Amount: Up to $46,000,000

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