Could Lab-Grown eye cells restore sight in dry AMD?

NCT ID NCT04339764

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: National Eye Institute (NEI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether transplanting lab-grown retinal cells into the eye is safe for people with geographic atrophy from dry age-related macular degeneration. Twenty participants aged 55 and older will receive a transplant of their own reprogrammed cells into one eye. The study will monitor safety and vision changes over several years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a cell-replacement therapy to slow or stop vision loss from geographic atrophy in dry AMD.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase I/IIa trial with only 20 participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet proven. Surgery inside the eye carries risks like infection or retinal detachment, and participants must take immunosuppressants long-term.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

age-related macular degeneration dry age related macular degeneration Geographic Atrophy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins University
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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