Simpler stem cell production aids AMD treatments

A new, simpler process in producing human pluripotent stem cells in large quantities will help researchers develop new methods in treating macular degeneration. Before the development of this method, the steps required to produce the stem cells was both time and labor intensive and the results didn't produce enough of the cells to try and develop any new therapies. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly and affects up to 50 million people around the world. Human pluripotent stem cells have the ability to provide an unlimited supply of cells similar to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Researchers hope that this innovative process will lead the way for mass production of RPE cells and be beneficial in applications that need large numbers of cells including disease modeling.