Penn Vet to Host Translational Retinal Research & Therapies Symposium

By: John Donges Date: Oct 20, 2017

Symposium held in honor of Dr. Gustavo Aguirre, 2017 Proctor Medal recipient

[October 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA] – The Translational Retinal Research & Therapies Symposium brings together a group of internationally recognized scientists and clinician scientists from the veterinary and human medical fields. They will present the latest research in areas of retinal disease gene discovery, disease mechanisms, viral vector development and applications, translational studies in animal models, and clinical applications.

The symposium is held in honor of Gustavo Aguirre, VMD, PhD, who received the 2017 Proctor Medal from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Aguirre is Professor of Medical Genetics and Ophthalmology at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital. He received the award for his development of unique canine models of retinal degeneration, which provides basic information about their counterpart human diseases. This preclinical work has established safety and efficacy for most of the clinical trial work in progress on neurotrophic factors as well as gene therapy.

The half-day symposium will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2017, from 1-6:00pm at Penn Vet’s Hill Pavilion (380 S. University Ave., Philadelphia). Register for the symposium here. A cocktail reception will follow.

Speakers include:

Gustavo Aguirre, VMD, PhD, Professor of Medical Genetics and Ophthalmology, Penn Vet
William Beltran, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Penn Vet
John Flannery, PhD, Professor of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California - Berkeley
Alison Hardcastle, PhD, Professor of Molecular Genetics, University College of London
Samuel G. Jacobson, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute of the University of Pennsylvania
José-Alain Sahel, MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

This event is part of the University of Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts in support of the One Health Initiative, which is dedicated to improving the lives of all species through the integration of human medicine, veterinary medicine, and environmental science.

About Penn Vet

Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 34,600 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 6,200 patient visits a year, while our Field Services have gone out on more than 5,500 farm service calls, treating some 18,700 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.