The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), a stem cell agency, has given a two-year, $6 million grant to researchers at the University of Southern California for preclinical studies needed for the development of a dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) therapy, according to a USC press release.

Specifically, the therapy involves injecting a mixture of restorative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds secreted by stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to halt or reverse AMD.

These RPE secretions were garnered from an implantable patch of RPE cells grown from stem cells that the USC researchers developed and which, according to the press release, will enter mid-stage clinical trials soon.

The researchers discovered that the implantable patch was making inroads beyond its borders, so the researchers began looking into an injectable, according to the press release.

The researchers say they have held initial talks with the FDA and have found certified partner facilities for manufacturing and testing the injectable treatment under FDA-regulated good manufacturing practices. OM

For the full press release, click here: https://keck.usc.edu/news/6-million-grant-drives-potential-treatment-for-common-cause-of-vision-loss-toward-the-clinic/.