Stem cell eye transplant aims to halt blindness from rare genetic disease

NCT ID NCT03944239

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Qi Zhou Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether transplanting lab-grown retinal cells (derived from human embryonic stem cells) into the back of the eye can safely slow or improve vision loss in people with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that causes gradual blindness. Participants must have severe vision loss in one eye but some remaining vision in the other. The trial will monitor for side effects and measure changes in eyesight over one year.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: human embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epithelium cells
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could slow or partially reverse vision loss in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 1 trial with only 25 participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet proven. Risks include inflammation, retinal detachment, or no improvement in vision.

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.

retinitis pigmentosa

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Beijing Tongren Hospitol,Capital Medical University

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100730, China

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