Can stem cells save sight? new trial tests eye cell transplant for dry AMD

NCT ID NCT04627428

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether transplanting lab-grown retinal cells (RPESC-RPE-4W) into the eye is safe for people with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. About 18 adults over 55 will receive the transplant and be monitored for side effects like vision decline, inflammation, or tumor growth. The goal is to see if the procedure is safe enough to study further as a potential treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

RPESC-RPE-4W (retinal pigment epithelium stem cell-derived cells)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a cell-based treatment to slow or stop vision loss in dry AMD.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 18 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Risks include vision loss, inflammation, or tumor formation.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DRY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dry age related macular degeneration

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group

    RECRUITING

    Beverly Hills, California, 90211, United States

    Contact

  • Spencer Center for Vision Research

    RECRUITING

    Palo Alto, California, 94303, United States

    Contact

  • University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center

    RECRUITING

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, United States

    Contact