Massachusetts Eye and Ear Announcement
Massachusetts Eye & Ear has announced a new research project that is being conducted by Dr. Lucia Sobrin. Patients who have been diagnosed with birdshot chorioretinopathy are invited to consider participating in this new study.
This new project follows one in 2023 in which Dr. Sobrin first established a biobank for birdshot uveitis. During the enrollment period for this study, Birdshot Uveitis Society of North America helped inform our birdshot community about the opportunity to participate. In addition to ME&E patients, approximately 90 birdshot patients from 25 states signed up for and participated in the initial study. Click to read BUSNA’s April 2023 interview with Dr. Sobrin.
The purpose of this second project is to establish a broader 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 in the new study would involve a one-time blood draw of 3 tubes (about 5-6 teaspoons of blood) that can be done at your home by a phlebotomist.
If you have already donated 2 tubes of blood for the first study, you are eligible to provide an additional tube of blood for a different type of analysis after being reconsented. This additional tube of blood is being used to try to identify a new, more focused treatment for birdshot uveitis.
Patients will not receive any monetary or personal health benefits from their participating in this research study.
The hope is that the results will help researchers understand birdshot chorioretinopathy better and benefit patients with birdshot in the future.
If you would like to learn more about the study, please contact our Center for Clinical Research Operations at tel:617-573-6060 or mail to:
CenterforClinicalResearchOperations@MEEI.HARVARD.EDU
For sake of communicating accurate details, this piece includes portions that have been prepared by representatives of ME&E.