A team of researchers at Trinity College Dublin is developing a gene replacement therapy which could help fight one of the most common causes of blindness.
The ocular genetics unit, which accommodates 25 specialist researchers, was formed partly due to a research initiative by an Irish charity, Fighting Blindness. The team is working to develop therapies for a progressive form of blindness, known as retinitis pigmentosa. It is estimated that up to 60,000 Irish people suffer from the condition.
The success of the fundraising initiative was highlighted yesterday at the launch of an umbrella group of 16 charities who are seeking to secure greater funding for medical research.
The Medical Research Charities Group, which includes groups such as the Asthma Society of Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation, aims to raise funds and lobby for legislative change.
Minister for Health Mary Harney, who launched the group yesterday, said it would also greatly strengthen the position of smaller charities.
"It has the capacity to help along smaller charities which, on their own, might not have the resources to tap into the research world," she said. "I strongly advocate to other charities with an interest in medical research to join this alliance."
Chairman of the group Michael Griffith said individual charities had achieved wonderful success in the past and many patients had benefited from research-related medical advances.
One example was the discovery by the hildren's research centre at Our Lady's hospital, Crumlin, of the "sting procedure" for patients dealing with kidney reflux. It has replaced a surgical procedure, which used to involve a week-long hospital stay, with a 15-minute outpatient procedure.
Robert O'Neill (24), who has a rare genetic condition which affects the lining of his skin, said greater funding for research could have a major impact on the lives of people dealing with difficult medical conditions.
"Technology has caught up to the point where it can make a big difference. It's money which is the issue now," said Mr O'Neill, who works at the Limerick branch of the Central Remedial Clinic.
Mr Griffith said the group aimed to secure State or lottery funding to support its research activities.
