Alberta is providing the first Canadian access to Luxturna, a new gene therapy that treats a rare, inherited retinal dystrophy. (Photo 182437260 © Roman Zaiets | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet/LethbridgeNewsNOW

New gene therapy to treat eye condition offered in Alberta

Dec 14, 2022 | 11:03 AM

EDMONTON – The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton is set to be one of four sites across Canada, and the only site in Western Canada, to provide a new gene therapy for a rare eye condition.

Luxturna helps to treat a rare, inherited retina dystrophy, which can lead to vision loss.

The gene therapy will help to prevent vision loss and improve existing vision, particularly at night.

Alberta’s minister of health, Jason Copping said, “Albertans deserve to get the newest, most effective health treatments available.”

Copping continued, “Providing access to this innovative gene therapy for those who need it most and right here at home is important.”

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The province noted the gene therapy is “highly specialized”, therefore the treatment can only be provided in a hospital and administered by a retina surgeon with experience providing submacular injections and managing complications.

Dr. Ian MacDonald, ophthalmologist and Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone clinical chief of ophthalmology, said, “Gene therapy is an innovative approach that has seen promising results for some eye diseases, including Leber congenital amaurosis.”

MacDonald added, “Access to treatments like this help ensure our team at the Royal Alexandra Hospital’s Eye Institute of Alberta have the best tools available to give Albertans access to leading-edge eye care and the best chance at improved vision.”

Three Albertans are set to receive the treatment at this time. The province noted that the cost to treat both eyes is $1 million.