Advanced Cell Technology's Ability to Rescue Vision in Blind Rats
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.'s ability to rescue vision in blind rats was noted in Scientific American's March 2007 issue. The full text of the article, which notes Advanced Cell's ability to "coax embryonic stem cells to turn into transplantable retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tissue," comes shortly after the company announced its collaboration with the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).
Mr. William M. Caldwell, IV, Chairman and CEO of Advanced Cell Technology commented, "We are pleased that Scientific American has taken note of Advanced Cell's progress. We are also excited about the many advantages offered by targeting the eye with RPE cells." One of these advantages is the fact that the eye is immune-privileged, minimizing the use of immune suppressant drugs associated with other areas of the body that by definition reject foreign cells. The eye also requires only a small dosage of cells, reducing the amount necessary to be manufactured, which the company expects to be cost-effective in terms of trials. Another advantage is that the eye is a self-contained site, so the cells gravitate to the RPE layer. Since the site is contained, the cells are less likely to migrate beyond their target application, which could be the case if the site of application were in the blood stream. Additionally, the cells are easier to identify, because of their pigmentation, which is important for purity. Because the cells are easy to identify the risk of injecting foreign, or non-RPE cells into the eye is greatly reduced. Further, age-related diseases of the eye can potentially affect every human being, and ACTC is hopeful that its efforts will help serve a large and growing market.
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