Study Examines Effectiveness of Injection of Retinal Progenitor Cells (RPCs) in Treating Photoreceptor Degeneration
A preclinical study demonstrates the effectiveness of intravitreal injection of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) (jCell) in treating photoreceptor degeneration. The research, from the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with the Neuroscience Research Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been published on July 24 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
The study, titled "Amelioration of photoreceptor degeneration by intravitreal transplantation of retinal progenitor cells in rats," presents a novel approach using RPCs to provide neuroprotection and functional rescue of degenerating photoreceptors,
According to jCyte, the developer of jCell, key findings include:
- Innovative Treatment Approach: The research utilized intravitreal injection of RPCs in a well-established animal model of photoreceptor degeneration. The RPCs release neurotrophic factors which are required to maintain the health and function of retinal cells. This is a novel use of these cells and delivering them to the vitreous cavity greatly simplifies the treatment procedure versus more invasive alternatives.
- Therapeutic Benefits: The RPC treatment demonstrated substantial preservation of both retinal structure and visual function.
- Clinical Progress: Supported by this preclinical work in rats, jCell has progressed through multiple clinical trials in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). jCyte held a successful post-phase 2 Type B meeting with the FDA in January 2024 marking a significant milestone towards a pivotal trial in RP.
The activities described were made possible by grant funding from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). For more information, contact Henry Klassen, MD, PhD, senior author and professor at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, at hklassen@hs.uci.edu.