As part of the Retina SubSpecialty Day Program, I learned of a new player in the stem cells in ophthalmology field – Centecor/Johnson & Johnson. They have started two clinical trials, one for retinitis pigmentosa (now discontinued), and a second to treat geographic atrophy in dry AMD, using its adult stem cell agent, CNTO 2746. The stems cells are delivered subretinally into the macula via a unique lighted catheter supplied by iScience Interventional.

Results for the first twelve patients treated in the GA clinical trial were reported. While the surgical technique used is complex, of the 12 patients treated, six had improved vision; four gained +4 lines, while 2 gained +6 lines. Of the remaining patients, 2 had retinal detachments and 1 lost vision because of macular pucker/loss of traction.

To read further details, please follow this link ^[1].