Gabriel Sosne, M.D., of Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Kresge Eye Institute, has been granted a $60,000 Physician-Scientist Award by Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) for his groundbreaking work studying a molecule that may lead to the healing of damaged eyes.

Dr. Sosne and his group have been studying Thymosin Beta 4, a protein molecule that occurs naturally in the body. Previously discovered to be an agent that accelerates healing, recent studies have shown that it may also be applied to treat previously thought untreatable eye injuries.

“Today there is nothing available, pharmacologically, that stimulates wound healing in the cornea. In cases of damage related to diabetes or alkaline exposure, treatments have focused on creating an environment conducive to healing.” explained Dr. Sosne. “Thymosin Beta 4 may be the key to stimulating wound healing in the eye. It will change the way physicians treat eye injuries.”

Dr. Sosne and his team are conducting clinical trials involving the use of Tymosin Beta 4 for diabetes patients. “Dr. Sosne’s lab has been able to identify a relationship between this molecule and corneal wound healing. This generous award from the Research to Prevent Blindness will enable us to continue our work and one day translate these discoveries into real treatments for patients.”

RPB is the world’s leading voluntary organization supporting eye research. Since it was founded in 1960, RPB has channeled hundreds of millions of dollars to medical institutions for research into the causes, treatment and the prevention of blinding eye diseases.