Sense welcomes potential hope of genetic patch for Usher Syndrome
05 February 2013
Research findings from Chicago published in Nature Magazine offer further encouragement to the 5,000 people with Usher syndrome in the UK, who have campaigned over many years to support research into the prevention of their syndrome, which causes loss of both hearing and vision.
Gillian Morbey, Chief Executive of Sense – the deafblind charity which represents their interests – said: “This research gives us encouragement that future generations may be spared some of the difficulties which people with Usher Syndrome face today.
"The impact of losing your sight and hearing can be overcome, and many of our members have great achievements to their name. But any indications that these challenges could be reduced for a future generation are to be warmly welcomed”.
Media enquiries
Jenny Rush
Tel: 07554 889 339
Out of hours: 07770 580 843
Email: jenny.rush@sense.org.uk
Related links
Rescue of hearing and vestibular function by antisense oligonucleotides in a mouse model of human deafness - letter in Nature (abstract only)
Genetic patch 'stops deafness' in newborn mice - story on BBC News website