Many patients don’t know that genetic testing is incredibly valuable because it can identify the specific gene mutation causing their disease,” commented Bridget Vissari, founder of Achroma Corp. “The results of this survey underscore the challenges that people with Achromatopsia face in receiving an early and accurate diagnosis.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC NASDAQ: AGTC), the gene therapy company, was distributed through Achroma Corp’s network and received 226 responses from individuals who have been diagnosed – or have a child who has been diagnosed – with Achromatopsia, a rare inherited retinal disorder that is associated with a significant reduction in visual acuity, extreme light sensitivity causing day blindness, and complete loss of color discrimination. The Understanding the Achromatopsia Patient Experience survey was conducted online in January 2018 on behalf of Achroma Corp. 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Achroma Corp., a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity dedicated to raising awareness and finding a cure for a rare form of blindness called Achromatopsia, announced results of a new global survey, Understanding the Achromatopsia Patient Experience. Only 58% of Adults and 65% of Children with Achromatopsia Have Received Genetic TestingīUTLER, Pa., Aug. In recent years AGTC has entered into strategic partnerships with companies including Otonomy, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics for neurotology, and Bionic Sight, LLC, an innovator in the emerging field of optogenetics and retinal coding.More than One-Third of People with Achromatopsia Were Misdiagnosed with Retinal or Cone Dystrophy AGTC is advancing multiple important pipeline candidates to address substantial unmet clinical need in optogenetics, otology and CNS disorders. Its preclinical programs build on the Company’s industry leading AAV manufacturing technology and scientific expertise. AGTC has active clinical trials in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) and achromatopsia (ACHM B3 and ACHM A3). AGTC’s most advanced clinical programs leverage its best-in-class technology platform to potentially improve vision for patients with an inherited retinal disease. AGTC is a leader in designing and constructing all critical gene therapy elements and bringing them together to develop customized therapies that address real patient needs. We appreciate AGTC's commitment to this much needed program.'ĪGTC is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing genetic therapies for people with rare and debilitating ophthalmic, otologic and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. “The goal of this program is to provide those affected with achromatopsia unprecedented access to glasses, contacts, and bioptic systems that they otherwise may have difficulty obtaining.

'Achroma Corp is excited to be able to launch our No Roadblocks Program with sponsorship support from AGTC,” said Bridget Vissari, President of Achroma Corp. “As AGTC diligently works to find a treatment using AAV-based gene therapies for achromatopsia, organizations like Achroma Corp provide an important service of improving quality of life for those living with an IRD.” “AGTC understands the unique challenges for those living with achromatopsia and is proud to be a sponsor of the No Roadblocks program and provide support to help these individuals gain independence through bioptic driving,” said Sue Washer, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGTC. Bioptic driving is a method of driving that uses a patient's general vision and intermittent spotting through a small telescopic system that improves the sharpness of the patient's vision.

These filters are often essential to bioptic driving. There is no specific treatment for ACHM, although deep red tinted glasses or contact lenses can reduce symptoms of light sensitivity and daytime blindness.

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