International projects

2020
  1. RECOGNISED – Retinal and cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetes: unraveling the common pathways and identification of patients at risk of dementia

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mariacristina Parravano
Funding Institution: European Union
Funding Amount: € 97,750.00
Funding Year: 2020
Duration: 48 months (12-month extension)

Brief Description:
The general concept of this project is based on the idea that the retina can be used as a window to the brain due to their common embryological origin. Therefore, studying the retina in patients with T2D in this project will be useful not only to identify patients at risk of developing dementia but also to distinguish different phenotypes with varying degrees of cognitive decline in terms of speed and severity. Furthermore, investigating the common pathogenic pathways involved in the neurodegenerative processes occurring in both the brain and the retina will open a new research area with clear therapeutic implications.

Website: https://www.recognised.eu/

This project is funded by the H2020-SC1-BHC-2018-2020 research program.

2. Development of a new non-contact screening method and instrument for the detection of narrow ocular anterior chamber angle

Principal Investigator: Dr. Francesco Oddone
Funding Institution: Velux Stiftung
Funding Amount: € 185,000.00
Funding Year: 2020
Duration: 36 months (24-month extension)

Brief Description:
Primary angle-closure glaucoma, a common cause of blindness worldwide, is more frequent in individuals with “small eyes” and can be prevented with relatively simple treatments.

The evaluation of ocular structures relies on gonioscopy, an invasive and subjective examination performed by ophthalmologists with specialized training. The goal of this project is to develop an objective, non-invasive, portable, and low-cost instrument to detect patients at high risk of angle-closure glaucoma.

Website: Not applicable

This project is funded by the Ophthalmology call for proposal research program.

Macustar – iAMD – Development of novel clinical endpoints for interventional clinical trials with a regulatory and patient access intention in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mariacristina Parravano
Funding Institution: European Union
Funding Amount: € 113,551.63
Funding Year: 2018
Duration: 36 months (extension – months)

Brief Description:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe vision loss and blindness in Europe, affecting nearly 30% of the elderly population. This chronic disease progresses slowly from early AMD to intermediate AMD (iAMD) and eventually to advanced AMD, leading to severe and often irreversible central vision loss.

The objectives of Macustar are to characterize the functional deficit in iAMD and to develop and validate functional, structural, and patient-reported outcome measures for iAMD.

Website: https://www.macustar.eu/

This project is funded by the iHi – Innovative Health Initiative research program.