Retinal Disorders / AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration)
StemCells, Inc. is developing HuCNS-SC® human neural stem cells for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases such as AMD, and is targeting initiation of a clinical trial in 2012.
Preclinical Results
StemCells human neural stem cells preserve visual acuity in RCS rats as shown by optokinetic tests measuring visual function over time.
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Preclinical data demonstrates the therapeutic potential of the StemCells HuCNS-SC product candidate to treat retinal degenerative diseases such as AMD.
Extensive preclinical studies performed by StemCells in collaboration with the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) show that, when transplanted into the sub-retinal space of the RCS (Royal College of Surgeons) rat, a well-established animal model of retinal degeneration, the Company’s human neural stem cells protect the retina from progressive degeneration and preserve visual function long term as measured by two separate visual tests. The transplanted cells also exhibit robust, long-term protection of both rod and cone photoreceptors. The ability to protect cones, in particular, is significant in regard to AMD, since it is the progressive deterioration of these specific cells that ultimately results in the devastating vision loss caused by this disease. The protection of both rods and cones is important in considering the potential of using human neural stem cells as a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal degenerative disorders.
Pathway to the Clinic
StemCells, Inc. hopes to build upon the promising results of its research through the initiation of clinical trials for patients with retinal degenerative diseases. The Company has already engaged the FDA in discussions regarding a pathway to clinical testing of its human neural stem cells for retinal indications and additional preclinical studies are underway in pursuit of that goal.
