Stem cell retina treatment trialled

International Stem Cell Corporation has begun preclinical testing of a stem cell treatment for retinal disease including macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Researchers have developed retinal layers from parthenogenetic human stem cells, which do not involve the destruction of embryos, and believe this may eventually lead to a sustainable FDA-approved source of human tissue to be used as a treatment for degenerative retinal diseases.

The human tissue has now been implanted into animals, providing models for preclinical testing. If successful, the tissue will be manufactured for further testing.