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Philly Scientists Win 2026 Breakthrough Prize for Developing Gene Therapy for Blindness
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7 Articles
Hastings Tribune
arcamax.comPhilly scientists win 2026 Breakthrough Prize for developing gene therapy for blindness
Three Philadelphia scientists won a $3 million Breakthrough Prize for developing the first FDA-approved gene therapy for a genetic disease, prize sponsors announced Saturday.
The Breakthrough Prize Foundation announced, this Saturday, the winners of the 14th edition of the award, considered the Science Oscar of 2026. In the category of Life Sciences, a couple was graduated by the development of the first genetic therapy approved in the United States for a disease that causes total blindness. The winners receive R$ 3 million, the equivalent of about R$ 15 million in the current rating.
With the help of a new gene therapy, those affected by a rare eye disease can regain some of their vision. Three scientists were awarded for this discovery on the weekend.
Why is a child sometimes born blind? Very often, a genetic disorder called Leber congenital amaurosis, also known by the abbreviation LCA, is to blame. Until recently, this was a diagnosis that gave such children no hope. Two people, who took a quarter of a century to do it, have changed that. Now, molecular biologist Jean Bennett and ophthalmologist Albert Maguire have received the prestigious Breakthrough Prize and a reward of three million do…
How did gene therapy restore lost vision?
Breakthrough gene therapy restores vision in blindness Two scientists—met through neuroscience research—have been recognized for developing the first approved gene therapy for blindness. The treatment, developed by a married team, targets the underlying cause of vision loss by delivering genetic…
Jean Bennett and Albert Maguire, along with Katherine High, have won the prestigious Breakthrough Prize for developing Luxturna, a treatment the couple have worked on for 25 years that can cure hereditary blindness.
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