A “good gene therapy candidate” for treating retinitis pigmentosa (RP) independently of the genes causing the disease has been identified by a study published in eLife. The findings could show promise in preserving vision in patients with RP and other vision loss disorders.

Mice with the same defects as people with RP underwent 20 potential therapies, based on the effects of sugar metabolism: the loss of nutrient supply is one explanation for cone degeneration. Using a virus carrier to deliver a gene called Txnip was most effective in treating the condition. Therapies that reduced oxidative stress and inflammation alongside Txnip gene therapy provided additional protection for the cells.