Dec. 15, 2011 – Entering its fifth decade, the Foundation Fighting Blindness today released details about a strategic plan aimed at ensuring that, by 2016, it will add 10 new clinical trials to its translational research portfolio. Included in the plan are six strategic priorities which, collectively, provide the Foundation with a blueprint for clinical trial success while continuing to provide support and resources for those affected by retinal degenerative diseases.
“This is an exciting and pivotal time in the Foundation’s history,” says William T. Schmidt, chief executive officer of the Foundation. “We’re well into an era of clinical trials for retinal disease treatments, with each study costing tens of millions of dollars. We developed this plan to further the Foundation’s ability to fund the many promising new opportunities that are becoming available, while providing critical support to those affected by retinal diseases.”
The plan states that the Foundation “is keenly focused on advancing … clinical trials in which human participants will help determine the safety and effectiveness of treatments showing promise for slowing or stopping” retinal diseases. This mandates that the Foundation dramatically “increase revenues from its family of supporters – individuals, corporations, foundations and other non-profit and governmental organizations.”
The priorities cited for achieving this goal fall into two categories. The first category focuses on research and includes the following: funding cutting-edge research; developing new treatments and cures; and identifying new therapies – not only in the United States, where 10 million people are affected by retinal diseases, but internationally, through grants for researchers and research centers.
The second category more directly relates to the Foundation’s partnership with its members who are personally affected or have loved ones affected by retinal diseases. Those priorities are: improving diagnoses; providing education, awareness and support; and attracting broad financial support. The last, according to the plan, seeks to “build collaborations and partnerships with individuals and organizations that share the Foundation’s commitment to eradicating retinal degenerative diseases.”
While Mr. Schmidt says these priorities are not new, the Foundation’s current focus on them is a reflection of the urgency to move forward with potentially life-changing treatments and cures. “If you were to compare what we do to running a marathon,” he explains, “we’re more than halfway there, with miles to go. But we’ve hit our stride, and, with the support of our members and partners, will win this race.” |
