Novel and Enhanced Modalities for Optic Nerve Imaging

ARPA-H's Health Science Futures Mission Office has issued a Sources Sought (ARPA-H-SS-26-157) to gather information from academia and industry regarding novel and enhanced modalities for optic nerve imaging. The ultimate goal is to enable whole eye transplantation for the blind and visually impaired, a process currently hampered by challenges in optic nerve reattachment and regrowth. Current imaging methods for tracking nerve growth in vivo are limited, often requiring animal sacrifice or toxic tracers. ARPA-H seeks technologies for single axon resolution imaging that can track nerve growth from the optic nerve to the brain, potentially transportable to research sites or hospitals. They are also interested in enhancements to existing MRI/PET technologies for higher resolution imaging with minimal toxicity, and modalities that can capture the entire visual pathway in a single image. The agency is also looking for technologies that can differentiate native retinal ganglion cells from transplanted ones and be ready for human clinical trials within two years. Responses, due by June 10, 2026, should address current gaps, future directions, and provide technical descriptions of capabilities, contract information, and cost estimates. This is a request for information only and not a solicitation for proposals.