“There’s been some debate on whether stem cells derived from a different, unrelated person would survive in the retina without long-term immunosuppression,” Mark Humayun, MD, PhD, university professor of ophthalmology at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, said in a university news release.
“For instance, if you were to receive a kidney transplant, long-term immunosuppression would be required to prevent organ rejection,” he said. “This study indicates the cells on the retinal implant can survive for up to two years without long-term immunosuppression.”
The implant, designed to treat age-related macular degeneration, is a bioengineered scaffold implanted under the retina. It is made of donor stem cell-derived versions of the cells that are defective in dry age-related macular degeneration, the Ophthalmology Times report said.
“The most advanced therapeutics in clinical trials right now require monthly injections to slow the progression of the disease but don’t improve vision,” Dr. Humayun said. “The collective results from the clinical trial demonstrate the implant’s potential for improving vision over the long-term in patients with advanced degeneration.”
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.