Strategies of pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration: update and challenges

Stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration is transitioning from the research stage to the clinical stage and is being developed as a treatment across the globe. In clinical studies on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation, the safety of the technique has started to clarify, and clinical study on further advances such as the long desired transplantation of iPSC-derived retina to treat retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has begun. Ophthalmologists are now working closely with basic researchers to incorporate new technology areas with a synergy that is anticipated to realize the practical application of stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration.

Automated summary

Stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration is progressing from research to clinical stage globally. The safety of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation has been confirmed, and clinical studies on transplantation of iPSC-derived retina for treating retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has begun. Collaboration between ophthalmologists and basic researchers is expected to enable the practical application of stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration.