RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
Official title: Phase1/2a Clinical Trial of RPESC-derived RPE Transplantation as Therapy for Non-exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funded at Regenerative Research Foundation · NIH-11436542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Regenerative Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,063,571 |
| NIH project number | 2UH3EY031810-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with atrophic (dry) AMD who meet specific visual acuity and health criteria and are eligible for the trial.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with contraindications or those who do not respond to cell-based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests injecting RPESC-derived RPE cells under the retina to restore vision in people with dry AMD. It uses three dose cohorts to evaluate safety and tolerability in up to 18 participants, with careful monitoring for vision changes, inflammation, and adverse events. Participants will undergo subretinal implantation and follow-up tests to measure visual function and eye health over time. If successful, this approach could pave the way for vision improvements where current treatments slow progression but do not restore vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience meaningful improvements in sight and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical work and early human trials suggest potential safety and tolerability for RPESC-derived RPE cells in AMD.
Where this research is happening
-
Regenerative Research Foundation
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stern, Jeffrey H — Regenerative Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Stern, Jeffrey H
Related research
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Early atrophic AMD: understanding how the disease progresses to protect vision
This NIH grant studies how age-related macular degeneration advances in its early atrophic stage to help prevent vision loss.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.