London Scientists Lead the Way with Restoring Vision to the Blind

Two people suffering from wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can now read again, following a transplant of stem cell patches into their eyes.

AMD affects over 600,000 people in the UK. It occurs when light-sensitive cells at the centre of the retina are damaged. Until now, the only treatments had been partially successful and did not work on everyone. This new use of stem cell treatment, which enabled the patients to read normally using ordinary glasses, could be a game-changer.

Professor Lyndon da Cruz, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields, commented: "The patients who received the treatment had very severe AMD, and their improved vision will go some way to enhance their quality of life. We recognise that this is a small group of patients, but we hope that what we have learnt from this study will benefit many more. The results suggest that this new therapeutic approach is safe and provides good visual outcomes."

Professor Pete Coffey, at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, said: "This study represents real progress in regenerative medicine and opens the door on new treatment options."

The therapy will now undergo further trials, with the researchers hoping it will be available for widespread use within five years.

Comment

Regenerative medicine is an exciting new area within the world of life sciences. As shown within the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy and Sector Deal reports published in 2017, the UK wants to be a world leader in this area. These examples offer a real beacon of light for how this might happen.

If you have any thoughts about the impact of regenerative medicine, please share them with me and contact Paul Gershlick in our Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences team on 01923 919 320.