27/02/2026
On Rare Disease Day, we stand alongside the millions of individuals and families living with rare conditions, communities defined by resilience, urgency, and hope.
Today, weโre highlighting a collaboration grounded in science and shared purpose: Linear Clinical Research, EyeXcel, and The Usher III Initiative, working together to advance a potential treatment for Usher Syndrome Type III (USH3).
USH3 is a rare inherited disorder caused by mutations in the Clarin-1 gene, leading to progressive hearing and visual loss in childhood or adolescence. With no approved therapies, patients and families face a relentless disease course and limited options.
For more than 27 years, this program has been driven by scientific persistence and deeply personal commitment. EyeXcelโs president and co-founder, Cindy Elden, lives with USH3 herself, making this effort not just scientific innovation but a mission shaped by lived experience, and determination to change the future for others affected by the disease. After screening thousands of compounds, BF844 was identified and optimised. It underwent extensive preclinical testing to evaluate safety and efficacy. Together with Linear, EyeXcel has successfully completed Phase 1 human safety trials in healthy volunteers, a key milestone in developing a potential therapy for this rare disease.
Completion of Phase 1 enables progression to Phase 2 studies in individuals living with USH3 and reflects the impact of sustained collaboration across industry, academia, philanthropy, and clinical research.
At Linear, weโre honoured to be part of this journey, advancing rare disease research and advancing hope. ๐
