Using stem cells to treat retinal and optic nerve damage

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) in treating irreversible vision loss caused by retinal and optic nerve conditions. Patients with documented damage to their retina or optic nerve will receive injections of BMSC through various methods, including retrobulbar and intravitreal injections. The study aims to assess the safety and potential improvement in vision over a 12-month follow-up period, with comprehensive eye examinations and diagnostic testing conducted throughout. Conditions targeted include age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and optic neuropathy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have objective, documented damage to the retina or optic nerve unlikely to improve OR
* Have objective, documented damage to the retina or optic nerve that is progressive AND have less than or equal to 20/30 best corrected central visual acuity in one or both eyes AND/OR an abnormal visual field in one or both eyes.
* Be at least 3 months post-surgical treatment intended to treat any ophthalmologic disease and stable.
* If under current medical therapy ( pharmacologic treatment) for a retinal or optic nerve disease be considered stable on that treatment and unlikely to have visual function improvement ( for example, glaucoma with intraocular pressure stable on topical medications but visual field damage ).
* Have the potential for improvement with BMSC treatment and be at minimal risk of any potential harm from the procedure.
* Be over the age of 18
* Be medically stable and able to be medically cleared by their primary care physician or a licensed primary care practitioner for the procedure.
* Medical clearance means that in the estimation of the primary care practitioner, the patient can reasonably be expected to undergo the procedure without significant medical risk to health.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are not capable of an adequate ophthalmologic examination or evaluation to document the pathology.
* Patients who are not capable or not willing to undergo follow up eye exams with the principle investigator or their ophthalmologist or optometrist as outlined in the protocol.
* Patients who are not capable of providing informed consent.
* Patients who may be at significant risk to general health or to the eyes and visual function should they undergo the procedure.

Where it's running

• MD Stem Cells
  Westport, Connecticut, United States Recruiting
• MD Stem Cells
  Coral Springs, Florida, United States Recruiting
• MD Stem Cells Kobinia Med
  Vienna, Austria, Austria Recruiting
• The Saudi-German Hospital
  Dubai, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jeffrey Weiss, MD — Coral Springs Florida, Vienna Austria, Dubai UAE
• Study coordinator: Steven Levy, MD
• Email: stevenlevy@mdstemcells.com
• Phone: 203-423-9494

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Registry for inherited retinal degenerative diseases

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• Hyperspectral imaging to map retinal and optic nerve structures

  This study will test whether hyperspectral retinal imaging can detect disease-related features in adults with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and in healthy volunteers.

  Recruiting Center for Eye Research Australia · Melbourne, Victoria · NCT07555574

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.