Stem cell patch for treating macular degeneration to enter phase 2b clinical trial
A stem cell patch developed by USC researchers for patients with macular degeneration will soon be tested in a phase 2b clinical trial.
Last month, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) awarded an estimated $12.4 million to the USC-supported startup Regenerative Patch Technologies (RPT) to test the safety and efficacy of the patch for treating advanced dry age-related macular degeneration, also known as "geographic atrophy."
Research on the patch so far has indicated positive results. It appears to restore the structure and function of the retina to improve vision. The phase 2b clinical trial will involve evaluating the efficacy of the implant in 24 patients who have suffered vision loss from geographic atrophy.
The disease affects a vital group of cells: retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. When healthy, these cells enable photoreceptor cells of the retina to detect light. With geographic atrophy, RPE cells degenerate over time. This can lead to photoreceptor loss, impaired vision and, for many, blindness, forcing some patients to lose their independence.
The phase 2b clinical trial at USC will be led by Sun Young Lee and Rodrigo Antonio Brant Fernandes, both MDs and faculty members at the USC Roski Eye Institute.
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