Thursday, March 24, 2011

Stem cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration -- a step closer to reality

Source: Georgetown University Medical Center
Date: March 24, 2011

Summary:

Washington, D.C. – The notion of transplanting adult stem cells to treat or even cure age-related macular degeneration has taken a significant step toward becoming a reality. In a study published today in Stem Cells, Georgetown University Medical Center researchers have demonstrated, for the first time, the ability to create retinal cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells that mimic the eye cells that die and cause loss of sight. The research shows that this critical step in regenerative medicine for AMD has greatly progressed.