Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among Americans aged 65 and older, affecting central vision and making everyday tasks such as reading and recognizing faces challenging. The disease progresses over time, leading to symptoms such as blurry vision, dark patches, or blind spots.
In a promising development, researchers at the USC Roski Eye Institute, part of Keck Medicine of USC, are initiating a phase 2b clinical trial aimed at treating advanced dry AMD, which currently has limited treatment options. This trial will investigate the use of stem cells attached to a thin implant that can be inserted into the eye to replace damaged retinal cells. Dr. Sun Young Lee, the principal investigator, expressed hope that this method could not only halt disease progression but also improve patients’ vision, a significant advancement as existing treatments primarily focus on slowing down the condition.
The trial builds on previous research that demonstrated the safety of the implant and showed that 27% of participants experienced some vision improvement. The study will evaluate the clinical significance of these findings and aims to enroll 24 patients aged 55 to 90 with advanced dry AMD.
The implant is developed from laboratory-grown embryonic stem cells that mimic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, crucial for maintaining healthy vision. During an outpatient procedure, these cells will be placed directly into the retina. The study will monitor participants for a minimum of one year to assess the implant's tolerance and its potential to restore vision.
The USC Roski Eye Institute, along with its collaborators, seeks to advance treatment options for AMD, potentially paving the way for future therapies aimed at restoring vision in affected individuals. Funding for the trial is provided by several organizations, including the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.