Ophthalmology – VJRegenMed

The future of omentum-based autologous tissue engineering

Simon Ng — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 15:01:23 +0000

Advances in autologous tissue regeneration in the form of an omentum-derived hydrogel and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived tissue have led to promising therapies for spinal cord injury and cardiac infarction. Asaf Toker, MD, Matricelf, Ness Ziona, Israel, provides an overview of the future of this novel technology. Whilst currently only being assessed in two indications, this method of autologous tissue engineering can theoretically be applied to any type of damaged tissue. Potential indications include Parkinson’s Disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other musculoskeletal disorders. This interview was conducted during Meeting on the Mediterranean 2022.

Tissue engineered corneas as a replacement for transplantation

Simon Ng — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:26:20 +0000

Issues relating to supply and storage has resulted in corneal transplantation to be out of reach for many developing countries. Mark Daniell, MBBS, MS, FRANZCO, FRACS, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital & Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, Australia, describes research on the development of tissue engineered corneas. In vivo expansion of the endothelial layer, which does not naturally replicate, ensure a sustainable supply of corneas to patients and hydrogel scaffolds enable a biocompatible and biodegradable scaffold on which the tissue can grow on. This interview took place at 6th world congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

Developmental barriers to tissue engineered corneas

Simon Ng — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:26:20 +0000

Mark Daniell, MBBS, MS, FRANZCO, FRACS, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital & Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, Australia, discusses issues in utilizing tissue engineered corneas in the clinic. Initial challenges included optimizing endothelial cell expansion, as well as production of a biocompatible and transparent hydrogel scaffold. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may additionally alleviate problems relating to sourcing endothelial cells, and long-term barriers include successful commercialization of tissue engineered corneas. This interview took place at 6th world congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

Repairing corneal perforations with LiQD Cornea

Simon Ng — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 16:53:12 +0000

Corneal transplantation remains a challenge within developing countries due to a lack of donor tissue and underdeveloped infrastructure. May Griffith, PhD, University of Montreal & Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada, discusses the development of LiQD Cornea, a alternative to corneal transplantation in patients. Whereas other similar therapies require preparation of the pregel in a lab, LiQD Cornea gels within the cornea itself. The ease of administration will enable easier access to corneal treatments within the developing world, and mouse models have indicated preliminary efficacy. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

jCell: allogeneic cell therapy for retinitis pigmentosa

admin_vjr_user — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 15:29:59 +0000

Gil Carrasquinho, MD, MBA, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., discusses the mechanism of action of jCell Therapy, an investigational allogeneic cell therapy for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative retinal disease. Human retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are administered via intravitreal injection causing the release neurotropic factors, resulting in a reduction in photoreceptor cell death and restoration of surviving photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cell function. A Phase IIb trial (NCT04604899) evaluating jCell in patients with RP demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerability data. This interview took place at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2021 Annual Meeting.

Advanced therapies for retinitis pigmentosa

admin_vjr_user — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 15:29:57 +0000

Gil Carrasquinho, MD, MBA, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., provides an overview of the current research landscape in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative retinal disease that leads to a loss of vision over time. While current treatment options for RP are limited, the gene therapy voretigene neparvovec was recently approved, however, this can only be used to treat a small subset of patients with RP. A number of cell and gene therapies are currently under investigation, however the high level of genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity seen in patients with RP makes the design of clinical trials and therefore the development and approval of new therapies challenging. This interview took place at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2021 Annual Meeting.

The future of gene therapies for the eye

Simon Ng — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 15:28:47 +0000

Sue Washer, Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL, discusses future advancements within the field of ophthalmology gene therapies. With the advent of voretigene neparvovec, the first approved gene therapy for retinal diseases, the future of gene therapies treating vision loss is promising. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) additionally have potential uses other than as a vector, including delivering RNA and CRISPR-Cas 9 therapies. This interview took place at Meeting on the Mesa 2021.

Manufacturing challenges in the advanced therapies sector

Simon Ng — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 15:25:59 +0000

Sue Washer, Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL, outlines issues associated with manufacturing cell and gene therapies. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has affected the supply chain within the sector, as many materials and hardware are needed in the production of COVID-19 vaccines, limiting the supply for advanced therapy manufacturers. In the ophthalmological space, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) cannot replicate themselves, limiting their capability as vectors in gene therapies for various conditions including X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) and achromatopsia. This interview took place at Meeting on the Mesa 2021.

Addressing corneal donation shortages with tissue engineering

Simon Ng — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:20:34 +0000

May Griffith, PhD, University of Montreal & Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada, highlights issues associated with using donated corneas and the subsequent need for tissue engineered corneas. There is currently a shortage of donated corneas and many countries do not have eye banks. Patients may not also be suitable for corneal transplantation due to their condition and ones who receive donated corneas or other ocular tissues may face transplant rejection. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

The role of regenerative medicine in the ophthalmological space

Simon Ng — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:20:33 +0000

May Griffith, PhD, University of Montreal & Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada, outlines the significance of regenerative medicine within the field of ophthalmology. Stem cells have the potential to stimulate growth within the eye, and research in corneal regeneration can reduce the need for corneal transplants. Prof. Griffith additionally highlights the potential applications of the technology in other organ systems. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).