Karolinska Institutet's Pete Williams Awarded ERC Grant for Groundbreaking Glaucoma Research
Pete Williams at Karolinska Institutet receives an ERC Advanced Grant to advance glaucoma research.
Key Points
- • Pete Williams awarded €2.26 million ERC Advanced Grant for glaucoma research.
- • Research focuses on nicotinamide's potential to protect retinal ganglion cells.
- • Ongoing clinical trials with 1,800 patients across several countries.
- • Identified NMNAT2 enzyme as a target for future drug development.
Pete Williams, a prominent researcher at Karolinska Institutet, has been awarded the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant for his innovative work in glaucoma research. This significant grant, totaling €2.26 million (approximately 25 million SEK) over five years, aims to advance understanding and treatment of a condition that affects an estimated 80 million people globally and is the leading cause of permanent blindness.
Williams highlights the strategic importance of this funding, noting that ophthalmology often faces underfunding. With this grant, he intends to explore the potential of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) to protect retinal ganglion cells from damage, as research shows that these cells become increasingly vulnerable with age due to diminishing NAD levels, crucial for cellular energy.
Currently, several clinical trials are in progress, involving 1,800 patients across multiple countries including Australia, Singapore, Sweden, and the UK. Initial findings suggest that nicotinamide could improve visual function in glaucoma patients as quickly as three years into treatment. Additionally, Williams has pinpointed the NMNAT2 enzyme as a prime target for new therapeutic developments, collaborating with chemists to create more potent drug molecules and exploring gene therapy options.
This ERC grant not only bolsters Williams' research efforts but also opens the door for future funding and innovation in the field, with hopes to enhance glaucoma awareness and treatment efficacy over the next decade.