Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have created a stem cell patch for macular degeneration and it is headed for phase 2b clinical trials.
More than one million Americans aged 40 and over are affected by geographic atrophy (otherwise known as advanced dry age-related macular degeneration), which currently has no available therapy that improves vision. The stem cell patch works by restoring the structure and function of the retina and initial trials have resulted in positive results.
The phase 2b clinical trail will determine the efficacy of the implant in 24 patients who have suffered vision loss as a result of geographic atrophy and the trial will be conducted by faculty members at the US Roski Eye Institute.
