Life Biosciences has dosed the first participant in a gene therapy trial testing partial cellular reprogramming for glaucoma. The approach turns on three genes intended to “partially reprogram” aged cells to restore regenerative properties without fully resetting cell identity. The program is designed to encourage regeneration of optic nerve neurons in adults, a key bottleneck because mature optic nerve neurons do not normally regenerate. Investigators will prioritize safety in this early human setting, where concerns include the risk of abnormal cell states, including tumorigenic potential. By choosing the eye as the first clinical target, Life Biosciences is also betting that localized tissue changes may reduce systemic risk relative to reprogramming in other organs.