It was reported here in March 2017 that BioTime, Inc. is conducting a Phase I/IIa clinical trial for OpRegen® for treatment of dry AMD. OpRegen is a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) stem cell transplant therapy currently in development for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with geographic atrophy (GA). RPE cells are essential […]
by Dan Roberts June 2013 INTRODUCTION This is a summary of reports about significant research and development in the field of macular degeneration and related diseases presented since June 2012 and May 2013. I will briefly describe the conclusions of 77 studies that have been presented in the areas of therapy, prevention, technology, nutrition and […]
by Dan Roberts (Updated February 20, 2015) Several studies are showing success at using stem cell transplantation to treat retinal degeneration. This article describes the progress of the research. University of Washington In 2006, a team from the University of Washington used a mix of “growth factors”, natural proteins that encourage cell growth, to coax […]
by Dan Roberts February 2, 2012 StemCells, Inc. announced on February 2, 2012 that the FDA has authorized a Phase I/II clinical trial of a new method using stem cells from the brain to prevent degeneration of the macula in dry AMD patients. Purified human neural stem cells (HuCNS-SC) will be administered by a single […]
Compiled and edited by Dan Roberts JUNE 2007 Omega-3 Proving to be Beneficial on Several Fronts Recent studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids and fish consumption may reduce the risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation and depression. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Research Group showed that dietary total Omega-3 and […]
by Dan Roberts (Updated February 1, 2008) Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) in Massachusetts announced on September 23, 2004 that they had engineered human embryonic stem cells which could be used to repair a damaged retina. The research team worked with stem cells taken from human embryos made by another team at Harvard University and coaxed […]
by Dan Roberts This is a compilation of significant research in the field of macular degeneration during the period May 2005 through May 2006, beginning with new findings as presented at the 2006 meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). Triple therapy found to be effective for wet AMD Triple therapy […]
by Dan Roberts This is a compilation of significant research in the field of macular degeneration during the period May 2005 through May 2006, beginning with new findings as presented at the 2006 meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). Triple therapy found to be effective for wet AMD Triple therapy […]
by Dan Roberts April 20, 2006 Here is a summary of an article that appeared in Science Magazine regarding stem cell transplantation for treatment of retinal degeneration: Stem Cells Promise Cure For Vision Loss Wednesday, April 19, 2006 New Delhi: Dr Rajender Prasad Centre for Opthalmic Sciences at AIIMS has been studying the effect of stem […]
by Dan Roberts November 2004 Scientists from Harvard’s Schepens Eye Research Institute have, for the first time, successfully improved the vision of mice with transplanted stem cells. Neural stem (progenitor) cells were obtained from day-old mice and grafted into the degenerating retinas of mature mice. The transplanted cells were then seen to develop into mature […]