Dr. Sobrin Wins Award and Birdshot Research Update
Congratulations to Dr. Lucia Sobrin, MD of Massachusetts Eye & Ear who has been named the 2025 recipient of the RPB Stein Innovation Award in Ocular Genetics. This grant supports her research into new therapies for birdshot uveitis.
Dr. Sobrin and her colleagues are currently welcoming anyone diagnosed with birdshot chorioretinopathy to participate in their study. Dr.Sobrin recently informed BUSNA that “the purpose of the research project is to establish a biorepository of blood samples and associated health information from individuals with birdshot chorioretinopathy, uveitis, and/or retinopathy. The biorepository will allow researchers to conduct research and genetic testing to learn more about birdshot chorioretinopathy. No information in the biorepository will contain identifiers such as your name or medical record number.”
“Participation by new enrollees would involve a one-time blood draw of 3 tubes (about 3-6 teaspoons of blood) that can be done at your home by a phlebotomist. (If you have already donated 2 tubes of blood for an earlier phase of the study you are eligible to provide an additional tube of blood for a different type of analysis after being reconsented.) The third tube is being used to try to identify a new, more focused treatment for birdshot uveitis.”
“You will not receive any monetary or personal health benefits from your participating in this research study. We hope that the results will help us understand birdshot chorioretinopathy better and benefit patients with birdshot in the future.”
If you are interested in participating in the ME&E project, please contact the Center for Clinical Research Operations 617-573-6060 or by email CenterforClinicalResearchOperations@MEEI.HARVARD.EDU
We wish Dr. Sobrin and her colleagues much success! They have worked diligently to better understand birdshot chorioretinopathy. Our community is grateful for the numerous ways she and her colleagues are helping find better treatment for our rare autoimmune disease.