Advancing cell therapy research for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)

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The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) granted Luxa Biotechnology a $4 million award to support the ongoing Phase 1/2a study (NCT04627428) of RPESC-RPE-4W transplantation, an innovative therapy for treating dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). The funding will significantly enhance manufacturing and clinical activities in California.

Dry AMD is a prevalent eye disorder affecting people over 50. It is caused by the deterioration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the macula. As retinal cells die and are not renewed, patients experience reduced central vision, which impacts their quality of life.

Currently, there are no treatments available to reverse the damage caused by dry AMD, which affects nearly 19.8 million people in the United States.

^{Video courtesy of the American Academy of Opthalmology}

Luxa Biotechnology's RPESC-RPE-4W is a cell product derived from adult retinal pigment epithelial stem cells (RPESC) that generate RPE cell progeny. Transplantation of these progenitor-stage cells, obtained after four weeks of differentiation, aims to replace the native RPE cells lost during AMD progression. This therapy represents a potential breakthrough in the treatment of dry AMD.

Dr. Jeffrey Stern, co-founder of the Neural Stem Cell Institute (NSCI) and the project's principal investigator, expressed gratitude for CIRM's support.

"We are honored to have CIRM recognize the potential of our unique technology utilizing precursor-stage RPE cells. Replacement of lost RPE cells with RPESC-RPE-4W aims to restore vision loss in patients with dry AMD and offers the potential to improve their quality of life," said Dr. Stern. "Encouraging preliminary results motivate Luxa Biotechnology to expand our cell manufacturing and clinical activities in California."

Dr. Abla Creasey, Vice President of Therapeutics Development at CIRM, emphasized the importance of this research.

"RPESC-RPE-4W therapy represents a potential breakthrough in the treatment of dry AMD. We are impressed with the stem cell-based replacement approach developed by Luxa Biotechnology and delighted to support their groundbreaking efforts to restore vision and hope to patients with dry AMD."

CIRM has funded various projects for dry AMD, underscoring its commitment to advancing research and treatments for patients with vision loss. This grant will accelerate the progress of RPE stem cell therapy, aiming to transform the treatment landscape for dry AMD and improve the lives of millions affected by this condition.

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