Using cell-based therapies to restore vision in patients with retinal degeneration
Official title: Cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11091640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by testing a special type of stem cell treatment that could help restore vision by regenerating important cells in the eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $528,298 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035092-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with end-stage dry age-related macular degeneration who are experiencing significant vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration or those who do not have advanced dry AMD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative cell-based therapies aimed at regenerating photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in patients suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The approach involves transplanting a novel stem cell-derived 3D retinal construct into a minipig model to assess its ability to integrate and restore vision. By studying the mechanisms that support the survival and functionality of these transplanted cells, the research aims to pave the way for potential treatments for patients with end-stage AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cell-based therapies for retinal conditions, but this specific approach is novel and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Canto-Soler, Maria Valeria — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Canto-Soler, Maria Valeria
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.