Development of sight-related stem cell medicine

AstraZeneca and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology are collaborating to develop regenerative medicines for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Under the terms of the agreement the collaboration will aim to identify new therapeutic tools that can modulate the regenerative capacity of stem cells.

Leading the project, Dr Marcus Fruttiger from the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology explained: "These tools could be used either to manufacture transplantable material or to directly stimulate new cell growth in the eye to help restore or improve the vision of those with DR."

The director of Sciences and Technology Alliances at AstraZeneca, Alan Lamont, added: "Over the next few years, stem cell technology is likely to contribute to a measurable improvement in our ability to discover and develop candidate drugs…We are delighted to be combining our drug hunting expertise with the pioneering research ongoing at UCL."

For further information on stem cell technology read the upcoming October issue of Ophthalmology Times Europe for "A primer on the use of stem cells in ophthalmology" by Irving Arons.