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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

‘Oscar of science’ awarded to team behind gene therapy that restores lost vision

Gene Therapy Disease Harvard Medical School the University of Pennsylvania
An ophthalmic scientist checks the eyes of a young patient
Dr Albert Maguire, pictured, is one of three scientists awarded the Breakthrough prize for life sciences for their Luxturna gene therapy treatment, which has transformed the lives of people born with Leber congenital amaurosis. Photograph: Bill West/AP

A married couple who met over a dissected brain and went on to create the first approved gene therapy for blindness have been awarded one of the most lucrative prizes in science.

Molecular biologist Jean Bennett and ophthalmologist Albert Maguire share the $3m (£2.2m) Breakthrough prize for life sciences with physician Katherine High for the 25-year-long project, during which the couple adopted a pair of dogs they had treated for blindness.

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