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

NCT ID NCT04627428

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Luxa Biotechnology, LLC Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

DRY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group
RECRUITING

Beverly Hills, California, 90211, United States
Spencer Center for Vision Research
RECRUITING

Palo Alto, California, 94303, United States
University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
RECRUITING

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, United States

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