Charles Ophthalmological Center, located at Riobamba 841, Capital Federal, was founded in 1998 by Dr. Daniel Charles. It currently has four offices in CABA and specializes in retina, cataract, cornea, refractive surgery and glaucoma, among others.
The innovative gene treatment is performed once and replaces a faulty gene found in the retina, the membrane at the back of the eye that detects light and colour. The faulty gene, called RPE65, is replaced with a healthy copy made with artificial DNA, the equivalent of human DNA. RPE65 is responsible for producing a protein that makes light receptors work in the eye.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this therapy that makes a real impact on the quality of life of patients, and potentially helps them see their future through ‘new eyes'”, summarizes Dr. Martín Charles, Co-Director of Charles Center Ophthalmologist and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Universidad del Salvador.
Charles Centro Oftalmológico is one of the two Ophthalmological Centers throughout the country -along with the center of Dr. José Luna Pinto in Córdoba- approved to offer this therapy to patients. In turn, it houses the clinical research department coordinated by Dr. Patricio Schlottmann, where a team carries out clinical trials of next-generation drugs for the treatment of retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy associated with age.
Dr. Alejandra Antacle, specialized in Retinal Dystrophies, made the clinical and genetic diagnosis of the patient who underwent the genetic substitution procedure at the Charles Center, and carried out the request for this revolutionary medication.
“This hereditary disease begins to manifest itself during childhood and adolescence,” explains Dr. Aníbal Francone, who also directs a clinical research program to achieve the next advances in slowing the progression of dry macular degeneration. “This gene therapy has been approved by the FDA in 2017, prior to that there has been no treatment available. There is a backlog of people who have been waiting for many years, and we want to help meet that urgent need.”
The patient, who suffers from Leber Congenital Amaurosis (ACL), can see large objects in the right light conditions. His vision continues to deteriorate and this procedure represents the last chance to stabilize his vision and prevent total blindness.
This therapy helped restore vision in a clinical trial for people ages 4 to 44 with ABI caused by RPE65 mutations. After treatment, the participants reported recognizing faces, seeing stars and being able to read for the first time in years.
The therapy is administered through a surgical procedure and patients are discharged the same day with a patch that protects the treated eye. Approximately one week later, the patient again undergoes the procedure on his second eye.
The RPE65 gene therapy, referred to as LUXTURNA™, was developed by Spark Therapeutics and marketed by the Novartis laboratory. The procedure gained marketing approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for children and adults with a defective RPE65 gene.
Contact information:
Telephone: (011) 4129-6000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.centrocharles.com.ar
Instagram @charles.centro
Address: Riobamba 841, Capital Federal
You may also like
by CEDOC