NEI funds patient-derived stem cells for dry AMD

The National Eye Institute has granted Cellular Dynamics International $1.2 million to manufacture clinically compatible human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with the intention of developing the first autologous cell transplantation treatment for dry AMD.

The company plans to reprogram skin and blood samples from individuals with AMD to create clinically compatible, autologous induced pluripotent stem cells, which are genetically identical to the individual. As a genetic match to the patient, these cells are intended to reduce the risk of transplant rejection. NEI researchers plan to use these cells as part of their pre-clinical process to develop and autologous cellular therapy for dry AMD.