New drug silences connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which plays a key role in tissue regeneration and repair. by Dan Roberts (Updated August 2018) One of the most serious causes of vision loss is development of scar tissue on, in, or under the retina. People can develop retinal scarring from severe myopia, ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, [Read More]
Category: Research and Developments
Diet, exercise, smoking habits, and genes interact to affect AMD risk
NIH-funded study points to converging factors that drive disease-related inflammation People with a genetic predisposition for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) significantly increased their odds of developing the blinding eye disorder if they had a history of heavy smoking and consistently did not exercise or eat enough fruits and vegetables, according to an observational study of [Read More]
Ocata's Stem Cell Trials Entering Phase 2
Results from First Cohort Expected in the Second Quarter of 2016 Acucela (formerly Ocata) has announced that the first patient has been enrolled in the company’s Phase 2 clinical trial using Ocata’s proprietary RPE cells in patients with atrophic (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the trial is to evaluate safety and explore efficacy as compared [Read More]
Long-term Treatment for Wet AMD Enters Phase 2 Trials
Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that they have enrolled the first patient in their multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of NT-503 Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT) for the long-term treatment of wet macular degeneration (AMD). NT-503 is a unique vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor protein continuously produced by Neurotech’s versatile ECT implant. “This landmark proof-of-concept [Read More]
Trash-Collecting Cells May Accelerate Retinitis Pigmentosa
NIH research points to microglia as potential therapeutic target in retinitis pigmentosa Spider-like cells inside the brain, spinal cord and eye hunt for invaders, capturing and then devouring them. These cells, called microglia, often play a beneficial role by helping to clear trash and protect the central nervous system against infection. But a new study [Read More]