Stem Cells

Dry AMD Stem Cell Clinical Trial

The first patient in a clinical trial for dry age-related macular degeneration has been enrolled and transplanted with purified human neural stem cells. The HucCNS-SC cells protect host photoreceptors and preserve vision. The phase 1/11 trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these cells as a treatment for dry AMD. 16 patients will be evaluated for a total of five years.

 

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AMD & Stargardt's Disease- New Clinical Studies

Gene therapy, stem cell therapy and vitamin A are being clinically tested as potential cures for improved vision in people suffering from age related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease.

It’s a fundamental breakthrough,” said Paul Sieving, director of the National Eye Institute.

Nearly 200 genes involved in vision loss have been identified and biochemical interactions have been explained.

Stem Cell Research- Dry AMD

Research at the University of California, reported in the journal Lancet, has demonstrated that stem cell therapy for AMD could be safe in the short term. The very small trial (2 patients) could pave the way for larger trials.

Embryonic Stem Cell Report

A preliminary report on a prospective clinical study of subretinal transplantation of human embryonic stem cells for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) finds a slight improvement in vision (21 letters to 28) during the first 4 months. There were no signs of adverse events or rejection. A future goal is to treat patients earlier in the disease process.

 

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Promising Results With Stem Cells And AMD

Research on producing retinal cells from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and even the patient’s own skin cells, has been showing promising results at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Waisman Center. David Gamm MD, and stem cell scientist, grew these cells and produced retinal cells that responded to signals involved in normal retinal function. He cautioned that there is much work left to be done but is encouraged by the potential.

Stem Cells Derived From Skin Improve Vision

In an experimental study at Schepens Eye Research Institute, red mice were used to convert skin cells into retinal neurons and thus restore visual function. They found a significant increase in electrical activity in the newly reconstructed retinal tissue, signifying that connections were being made between the new photoreceptor cells  and the rest of the retina.   Michael J.

Stem Cell Therapy for AMD a Step Closer

Research on stem cell therapy for AMD is advancing according to a study conducted at the Georgetown University Medical Center. For the first time, researchers were able to create retinal cells from a patient's own stem cells (human induced pluripotent stem cells). These stem cells can then generate tissues and cells for transplantation. Work must still be done to figure out how to program the cells to function as native retinal pigment epithelium (the cells that die off and lead to AMD).

 

FDA Approves Study Using Embryonic Stem Cells For Dry AMD

The FDA approved Advanced Cell Technology’s (ACT) clinical trial to test human embryonic stem cells for treating dry macular degeneration.  ACT makes retinal pigment epithelial cells from human embryonic stem cells and is starting to recruit patients for this study.  Court battles continue over the use of federal funds for stem cell research and funding gets frozen and unfrozen while the government  appeals. 

 

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FDA Approves Stem Cell Trial in Eyes

A private company has just received FDA approval for a Phase 1/11 trial (second trial) involving implanting embryonic stem cells into the eye to replace damaged retinal pigment epithelium cells.  The 12 patients in the trial suffer from Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, a childhood version of macular degeneration.  The technique does not require destruction of the embryo.  “What this approval shows is that the readiness of the FDA to work with researchers to move exciting new stem cell based therapies out of the lab and into the clinic.”

Stem Cell Research in the USA

The first U.S. government approved study to inject embryonic stem cells into a human patient is now underway.  This current clinical trial for spinal cord injury will be held at seven sites around the country and is in phase-1 status.  It is a milestone for stem cell therapy and will be followed by many disease investigators looking at the safety of stem cell therapies.

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