Fight for Sight and DEBRA UK collaborate to fund research into Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

This is the first time that Fight for Sight has partnered with DEBRA UK who are a national charity for people affected by junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), a genetic condition that can cause blistering of the skin and on the surface of the eye, DEBRA UK supports more than 4,000 people across the UK.  

The co-funded study aims to accelerate the search for new treatments that could protect against vision loss by creating a new testing platform, that will enable the large-scale screening of potential drug and gene therapies, including emerging or repurposed drugs. Testing will be conducted using engineered human eye models. By conducting these tests, researchers hope to be able to create new therapies within five to eight years for patients who are at risk of vision loss. The study also aims to increase wider understanding of wound healing and age-related damage in the eye. 

Dr Kevin Hamil from the University of Liverpool will lead this study which includes training a new EB research specialist.  

Commenting on this important new study, DEBRA’s Director of Research, Dr Sagair Hussain said: 

 “Damage to the outer layer of the eye can be common for patients with JEB. Simple acts like blinking, washing, or touching the eye can cause the skin on the fragile outer layer to break down. Not only is this incredibly painful, but it can also be disorientating and impact the patient’s vision. 

 Current management relies largely on dressings, antibiotics, and lubricants which can treat symptoms, but they can’t prevent blisters from forming. Without effective treatments many JEB patients endure lifelong disability, social isolation, and emotional distress. This is why it is so important that we get a better understanding of how JEB impacts tissue fragility in the eye. We are confident that this could lead to restorative therapies in the future that significantly improve quality of life. 

 I am very excited about the breakthroughs that this new study could bring both for the JEB community and for other patients impacted by eye wounds. I would like to thank our colleagues at Fight for Sight, for partnering with us on this project." 

Eleanor Southwood, Director of Impact and External Affairs at Fight for Sight said: 

 "We’re delighted to be supporting this project in partnership with DEBRA UK, both because of the potentially life changing improvements for patients living with JEB and because of the ways the project will increase our understanding of wound healing in the eye. The work of researchers like Dr Hamil is vital for moving us closer to a world where more eye conditions are treatable and we look forward to the outcomes of the project."