Treatment Accelerator Initiative 

The Treatment Accelerator Initiative (the Accelerator) is a bold new step in Glaucoma Research Foundation’s mission to cure glaucoma and restore vision through innovative research. This groundbreaking program bridges the critical gap between scientific discovery and real-world treatments—moving potential therapies out of the lab and into patient care faster than ever before.

After decades of strategic investment in glaucoma research, our scientists have identified promising neuroprotective therapies—treatments that could preserve and even restore vision. But discovery is just the beginning.

Turning these breakthroughs into approved, accessible treatments requires rigorous testing, navigation of regulatory pathways, and significant funding. The Accelerator was created to do exactly that: advance discoveries through preclinical studies and into Phase 1 clinical trials. By funding this pivotal stage, we aim to deliver sight-saving therapies to patients sooner.

The Treatment Accelerator Initiative provides funding and resources needed to advance novel therapies and attract venture capital and industry investment for additional clinical research and approval. The result is a much shorter pathway to new sight-saving treatments for patients.

The preclinical phase is the critical bridge between the lab and the clinic—yet it’s also the phase least likely to receive traditional funding. Without this support, promising treatments can stall, delaying hope for millions living with glaucoma.

The Accelerator helps overcome these barriers by:

Thanks to a transformational gift from the John and Daria Barry Foundation, the Accelerator has already funded a Clinical Endpoints Study focused on fast-progressing patients. This study is designed to reduce trial size and duration—cutting costs and speeding regulatory approval. In addition, their contribution is allowing for early-stage testing of a promising neuroprotective gene therapy developed by Yang Hu, MD, PhD, as part of our Catalyst for a Cure Vision Restoration Initiative.

Motivated by her own journey with the disease, Daria Barry is dedicated to raising awareness and driving innovation that will benefit patients and families affected by glaucoma.

Philanthropy fuels innovation in glaucoma research. While government and industry funding often focus on late-stage development, donor support powers the essential early steps—turning promising discoveries into treatments.

Your gift will help fast-track breakthroughs in neuroprotection and vision restoration, offering hope to millions. Together, we can accelerate the path to a future free from glaucoma.