Challenges in translating iPSC-based AMD therapies to the clinic

admin_vjr_user — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:32:45 +0000

Masayo Takahashi, MD, PhD, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research & Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan, discusses the challenges associated with the translation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies to the clinic. She highlights the importance of developing robust culture protocols to help reduce lot-to-lot variation and explains that purity control of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell products can be achieved based on pigmentation colour, which helps to avoid contamination. Another key challenge is the selection of suitable patients with age-related macular degeneration that will benefit from specific cell therapies. This interview took place during the American Society for Cell & Gene Therapy 24th Annual Meeting 2021.

iPSC-derived RPE for macular degeneration

admin_vjr_user — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 16:50:54 +0000

Masayo Takahashi, MD, PhD, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research & Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan, provides an overview of clinical research evaluating the safety of subretinal implantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the first safety study, autologous iPSCs were derived from skin fibroblasts of patients and then differentiated and implanted as RPE cell sheets, while later studies have used human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched allogeneic iPSCs. Dr Takahashi also describes a planned Phase II clinical trial which will aim to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic iPSC-derived RPE in various diseases caused by damage to the RPE. This interview took place during the American Society for Cell & Gene Therapy 24th Annual Meeting 2021.

Masayo Takahashi – VJRegenMed

Challenges in translating iPSC-based AMD therapies to the clinic

iPSC-derived RPE for macular degeneration