Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells in the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive neurodegenerative condition, primarily affects the retinal pigmented epithelium resulting in degeneration of photoreceptors. The previously available antivascular endothelial growth factor and retinal translocation do not appear to be valuable in restoring the lost vision. Now-a-days, cell-based therapy has gained a momentum in the treatment of AMD. Case Report: We report a case of 73-yr old female with AMD who was treated with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). hESC therapy consisted of different treatment phases (T1, T2, T3) with gap phases in-between. In T1 phase (8-Week to 12-Week), hESCs were administered via intramuscular route twice daily (0.25 ml), intravenous route every 10 days (1 ml) and supplemental routes every 7 days (1-5 ml). Following the treatment, the patient showed improvement in the focus, was able to see an image through right (Rt) eye and with left (Lt) eye occluded and could identify color through Lt eye with Rt eye occluded. No other study attempted the use of direct injection of hESCs in the patient with AMD.
Although, the use of hESC therapy in our patient showed favorable outcomes, but are not enough to confirm the efficacy of hESC in the treatment of patients with AMD. So, future clinical trials with large number of patients assessing the efficacy and safety of hESCs in the patients with AMD are required to be conducted.