Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
Official title: Transplantation of Adult, Tissue-Specific RPE Stem Cells as Therapy for Non-exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration AMD
Funded at Regenerative Research Foundation · NIH-11439991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Regenerative Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | September 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $838,422 |
| NIH project number | 2U01EY030581-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 and older with atrophic AMD who have localized RPE loss and are suitable for RPESC-RPE therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without documented RPE loss in the targeted areas or with contraindications to cell therapy may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on promising early results by expanding how stem cell–derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells can be produced, stored, and safely used in patients. It focuses on scaling up manufacturing of a specific RPESC-RPE product at the intermediate progenitor stage and creating cryopreserved cell banks for easier use in clinical care. The work includes quality and safety checks to ensure the cells remain active and pure after cryopreservation, while aiming to maintain the ability to improve vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a scalable, ready-to-use cell therapy that supports vision in people with dry AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Early-phase trials have shown safety and signals of vision improvement with RPESC-RPE cells, supporting further development.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
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RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
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Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
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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.