The TV3's La Marató Foundation has awarded 34 research projects on diabetes and obesity with funds raised in the 2015 edition of the program. Among the projects funded, it is the study "Topical ocular administration of GLP-1: A new strategy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy," led by Dr. Rafael Simon, head of the Diabetes and Metabolism group at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).The project objective is to determine the mechanisms involved in the neurodegeneration that is produced in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. In particular, Dr. Simó explains that "we will investigate the role of GLP-1R agonists, as we have recently demonstrated that topical administration of these agonists prevents the degeneration of the retina and break the hematoretinal barrier."The research project is funded with 200,000 euros for the next three years. In this time in vitro and in vivo studies will be carried out, which may constitute the basis for future clinical trials.Diabetic retinopathy is the most common complication of diabetes and represents the leading cause of blindness among the working age population in developed countries. Despite its impact -affects nearly 366 million people around the world- only current treatments are aimed at advanced stages of the disease. As VHIR study aims to prevent degeneration of the retina that occurs at the beginning of the disease, Dr. Simó says that "our proposal could have big social and health impacts, as it can reduce the personal and economic costs of this devastating complication of diabetes." La Marató 2015At La Marató 2015, 8.3 million euros were raised. This money will finance the work of 57 scientists over the next three years to advance the understanding of the causes, treatment, prevention and cure of diabetes and obesity. The results arising from these projects will directly affect the quality and life expectancy of patients.Among the 34 projects funded, there is also one led by a researcher with dual affiliation to VHIR, Dr. Miguel Chillón, who has obtained the aid with the Institute of Neurosciences of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Dr. Chillón will focus on combined gene therapy to correct oxidative stress and endoplasmic in type 2 diabetic neuropathy.In the 2015 edition there were 136 projects that have been assessed by international scientific experts in this area in terms of quality, methodology and relevance.The awards were presented on Thursday 3 November at a ceremony held at the l'Acadèmia de Ciències Mèdiques i de la Salut de Catalunya i de Balears, led by Ana Boadas and Toni Cruanyes journalists, presenters of La Marató 2015.