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]
Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced on March 30, 2015 that the FDA has approved a Phase 2 clinical study of NT-503 Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). ECT is an intravitreal implant that is genetically engineered to produce the biologic anti-VEGF drug NT-503 for at least 2 years. ECT, therefore, acts like [Read More]
Anti-VEGF treatments have been saving the sight of thousands of people since 2006. In return, however, patients have been making clinical visits as often as monthly for injections. Not only is that a burden on their, and their doctors’, time, but it is very expensive and carries risks. To address the problem, new drug-delivery systems [Read More]
by Dan Roberts March 19, 2008 Over the past several years, scientists have been taking an interest in certain cells within the patient’s own eyes as having the potential to transform into stem-like (progenitor) cells. Called Müller glial cells, they would then migrate to damaged areas of the retina and replace dead cells, restoring vision [Read More]
by Betsy Nisbet November 2001 ANN ARBOR, MI – A paper published electronically by Nature Genetics offers important new insights into the development and differentiation of rod and cone photoreceptors, the light-sensitive cells in the eye’s retina that initiate vision and are essential for clear sight. A team led by Anand Swaroop, Ph.D., professor of [Read More]