Alan W. Stitt PhD

Professor Stitt is internationally known for his research in ophthalmology, particularly in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and age-related retinal disease. His research efforts established the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors in the progression of retinal vascular diseases and his work has uncovered several interrelated pathways involved in neuroglial and microvascular dysfunction in the diabetic and ageing retina. This research has led to the development and testing of several drugs that have progressed to clinical trials in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.

With a network of local, national and international collaborative partners, Professor Stitt has pioneered the concept of the re-vascularised ischaemic retina. This has revealed a novel therapeutic approach for treating diabetic retinopathy and other retinal disorders. His research has revealed several important mechanisms such as the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (especially TNFα) and the role of erythropoietin in diabetic eye disease, especially from the perspective of vasopermeability and mechanisms of angiogenesis. His role in identifying that EPO-analogues can promote vascular recovery of the ischaemic retina whilst preventing neurodegeneration has recently led to a Belfast-based Phase I trial using ARA290 as a novel EPO analogue to reverse diabetic macular oedema. Linked to this regenerative theme, is his work on harnessing the potential of the umbilical cord and peripheral blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to re-vascularise the ischaemic retina. In partnership with his colleague Dr Medina, their aligned research groups’ have identified, isolated and characterised a unique progenitor cell type and proven its vasoreparative properties in vivo. Ongoing research is identifying the unique properties of these cells and their distinct molecular nature that makes them important homeostatic cells that maintain vascular health in the retina and other vascular beds. A current project is bringing this “cell therapy” to the clinic and the team, consisting of stem cell biologists, medical retina specialists and vitreoretinal surgeons are seeking to translate it into the clinic as soon as possible.