Stem Cell Implant Trial Offers Hope for Advanced Macular Degeneration
A new clinical trial launched by researchers at teh USC roski Eye Institute aims to restore vision in patients with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss for Americans age 65 and older. The trial will test whether stem cells can replace damaged retinal cells.
Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease and currently has limited treatment options. The USC Roski Eye Institute, part of Keck Medicine of USC, is beginning a phase 2b clinical trial to assess the potential of a stem-cell based retinal implant.
The implant,thinner than a strand of hair,is designed to hold the stem cells in place after insertion into the eye. “We are hoping to determine if the stem-cell based retinal implant can not only stop the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration, but actually improve patients’ vision,” said Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD, a retinal surgeon with Keck Medicine and principal investigator of the Keck Medicine study site.
Earlier Research Showed Promise
Previous research conducted by USC Roski Eye Institute specialists involved a small group of patients and found the implant was safe and remained securely positioned within the eye. The implant was also successfully absorbed into the retinal tissue. According to the study, 27% of participants experienced some level of vision enhancement.
“The earlier phase of the clinical trial showed the treatment to be safe with the potential to benefit patients’ vision; this next phase will investigate whether the therapy can achieve clinically significant improvements in vision,” said Lee, who is also an associate professor of ophthalmology and physiology & neuroscience at Keck Medicine of USC.
