Stem cell treatment for eye diseases shows promise

On 24 January 2012, the medical journal The Lancet published online results of successful cell therapy based on cultivated embryonic stem cells in the retina.

This experimental treatment shows evidence of giving new hope to patients affected by:

• Macular Degenerescence related to aging (the most frequent touching at least 5 million people in Europe),
• Stargardt Disease (the most frequent rare hereditary genetic eye disorder touching the central vision of children or teenagers).

The clinical trial was carried out in two patients to test tolerance and safety but not yet efficacy. Both patients, who were legally blind, stated that they had gains in eyesight that were meaningful for them.

Now a validated proof of concept exists, opening new avenues for trials which began in Europe also on 24 January 2012.

Twelve patients with Stargardt's have been cleared by British medical authorities to undergo transplant, with progressively higher doses of cells, at the Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

• Read the full report
• Read EURORDIS position paper on embryonic stem cell research and therapy
• More about clinical trials