Grant History

The $5.1M of total grant support we've given to funding research is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and donors. Real people making an impact on saving children's eyesight.

Grant Amount

$3M
2024
$2.1M

2025

Year
Grant Amount
Month
Amount/ month
Purpose

2026

$1.1M

January
$1.1M

To close the remaining funding gap required to launch the AXV-101 clinical trial, enabling the study to begin in early 2026.

2025

$1M

September
$1M

To support clinical development of the first-in-human trial, including trial preparation and regulatory progress following clinical trial clearance.

2024

$3M

October
$1M
December
$2M

To fund the preclinical development and regulatory preparation of AXV-101, a gene therapy for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome type 1 (BBS1), advancing the program toward its first human clinical trial.

News and Articles

Recent News
January 06, 2026
A Race Against Blindness Awards Additional $1.1 Million Grant to Ensure Advancement of AXV-101 into Clinical Trial for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 1 (BBS1)

Newly added funding closes critical gap and enables planned trial initiation in early 2026

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A Race Against Blindness Awards Additional $1.1 Million Grant to Ensure Advancement of AXV-101 into Clinical Trial for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 1 (BBS1)

Latest Posts

Research December 24, 2025
Why Patient Advocacy Matters More Than Ever in Rare Disease Gene Therapy

Patient advocacy is now one of the most powerful drivers of progress in retinal gene therapy. Learn how nonprofit involvement, family voices, awareness, and fundraising are accelerating research for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome and inherited retinal diseases — and why this work matters now more than ever.

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Research December 24, 2025
How New Gene Therapy Innovations Could Accelerate Treatment for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome and Inherited Retinal Diseases

The latest innovations in gene therapy — from optogenetics to engineered AAV capsids to AI-driven breakthroughs — are rapidly accelerating progress toward treatments for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome and other inherited retinal diseases. Here’s what these advances mean for families urgently awaiting hope.

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Research December 24, 2025
Inside the Gene Therapy for Ophthalmic Disorders Summit: What We Learned and Why It Matters for Families Facing Vision Loss

We recently attended the Gene Therapy for Ophthalmic Disorders Summit, where leading researchers and clinicians shared promising advances in retinal gene therapy. From new vision endpoints to breakthroughs in delivery methods and patient advocacy, the conference highlighted real progress toward treatments for BBS, RP, and other inherited retinal diseases. Here’s what we learned — and why it matters for families urgently waiting for hope.

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Gratitude Gallery November 30, 2025
🧡 This Week’s Gratitude Gallery: Real Reviews and Experiences From Our Community

See this week’s uplifting reviews and experiences from donors whose kindness and belief in our mission fuel everything we do.

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Research November 25, 2025
Opus Genetics Treats First Participant in New Gene Therapy Trial for Retinal Disease

Opus Genetics has officially treated the first participant in its Phase 1/2 clinical trial for OPGx-001 — a new gene therapy designed for individuals with LCA5-related Leber congenital amaurosis. This milestone marks the company’s first human trial and represents another important step forward in treating inherited retinal diseases. As more early-stage therapies enter clinical testing, hope continues to grow for families affected by progressive vision loss.

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