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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Vision Restoration - Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Retinal Diseases
Published on: October 6, 2023
Stem Cell Therapies for Reversing Vision Loss.
Akon Higuchi1, S Suresh Kumar2, Giovanni Benelli3
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda Road, Jhongli, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan; Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; Department of Reproduction, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) therapies show promise for macular degeneration. Researchers explore bioengineering and biomaterials for eye treatments, but caution against unregulated stem cell clinics due to adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- The eye's immune privilege makes it a prime target for human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) therapies.
- Macular degeneration is a leading cause for evaluating hPSC-based treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current bioengineering and biomaterial strategies for hPSC therapy in treating macular degeneration.
- To discuss the types of stem cells used and highlight safety concerns associated with stem cell treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical trials and bioengineering approaches for stem cell therapy in ophthalmology.
- Analysis of biomaterial applications in combination with stem cells for retinal diseases.
Main Results:
- Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from hPSCs is commonly used in clinical trials.
- Intravitreal transplantation of undifferentiated bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is also employed.
- Adverse events, including blindness, have been reported with certain stem cell therapies, particularly from unregulated clinics.
Conclusions:
- hPSC-based therapies offer potential for macular degeneration treatment, with RPE cells being a primary focus.
- The use of biomaterials and advanced bioengineering can enhance these therapies.
- Patient safety is paramount, and caution is advised regarding stem cell treatments from non-established sources due to reported negative outcomes.
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