What is the latest Macular Degeneration breakthrough? New treatments are offering fresh hope. Stem cell therapy is being explored as a way to repair damaged retinal cells and potentially restore sight. Scientists are testing this approach to see how it could help people with conditions like macular degeneration and retinal dystrophies. So, how does it stack up against the other latest treatments?

If you want to know about the different types of Stem Cells, this article goes into more detail. If you’re considering Stem Cell Therapy, our team can guide you in deciding if it’s the right fit, help you choose the best clinic & region, and even assist you in securing some great discounts! Fill in our form here to set up a conversation.

AMD Treatments: A Breakdown of Options for Vision Loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is classified into wet and dry forms, each requiring different treatment approaches. Here’s a breakdown:

Wet AMD Treatments

• Anti-VEGF Injections: These medications, like Lucentis and Eylea, are injected into the eye to stop abnormal blood vessel growth. They’re very effective at preserving vision, but the catch is—they require regular injections.

• Gene Therapy: Still experimental, treatments like RGX-314 aim to help retinal cells produce their own anti-VEGF proteins. The goal? Fewer injections in the long run.

• Laser Photocoagulation: This older method uses lasers to target abnormal blood vessels. It’s not common anymore because it’s less effective and comes with a higher risk of damaging healthy tissue.

Dry AMD Treatments

• Vitamin Supplements (AREDS2 Formula): Think of these as a vitamin boost for your eyes. They’re designed to slow disease progression in intermediate stages, with ingredients like zinc and lutein.

• Syfovre (Pegcetacoplan): Approved in 2023, this treatment works by targeting complement protein pathways to slow down vision loss in advanced cases of dry AMD.

• Artificial Retinas: These futuristic devices are still in development. The idea is to replace damaged photoreceptors with prosthetic implants, offering hope for those with significant vision loss
• Stem Cell Patch: This treatment involves implanting a patch of stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells into the retina. Currently in Phase II clinical trials, it aims to restore retinal structure and function, potentially improving vision for those with geographic atrophy.

How Stem Cell Therapy Targets Macular Degeneration

Stem cell therapy focuses on fixing or replacing two types of eye cells essential for vision: RPE cells and photoreceptors. Here’s a simpler look at how it works:

1. Stem Cell Sources: Most trials now use iPSCs (from the patient’s body) because there’s less chance of rejection and no ethical concerns. While embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were used in earlier research, they are now less common in clinical trials.
2. Lab Process: Stem cells are grown in the lab and turned into retinal cells.
3. Transplantation: These cells are injected into the eye to repair damaged areas.
4. Regeneration: If successful, the new cells will function like healthy retinal cells, potentially improving vision.

Although still in clinical trials, early results show promise, especially for conditions like age-related macular degeneration.

To learn more about IPSC cells, check out our article in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells here.

Stem Cell Therapy for Wet vs. Dry AMD: What’s the Difference?

The way Stem Cell Therapy helps differs depending on the type of macular degeneration.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form, where retinal cells gradually break down, leading to blurred or lost vision over time. Stem cell therapy offers a unique way to tackle this by replacing the damaged retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which are crucial for keeping the retina healthy.

• What’s Happening in Research: Scientists are using stem cells, like iPSCs, to grow new RPE cells in the lab and transplant them into the retina. Early results are promising, showing slowed progression and even some improvement in vision
• Why It Works Well: Dry AMD doesn’t involve abnormal blood vessel growth like wet AMD, so stem cell therapy has a more direct goal—repairing and replacing damaged cells to restore function.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD progresses faster than the dry form and is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina. These vessels leak fluid or blood, causing rapid vision loss. While anti-VEGF injections are the go-to treatment, stem cell therapy is being explored as a potentially better option

• How It’s Being Tested: In clinical trials, stem cells are being used to repair damaged RPE cells and reduce inflammation, which could stop or even reverse the damage caused by these abnormal blood vessels.
• The Challenge: Wet AMD is trickier because it involves ongoing inflammation and blood vessel growth. Researchers are exploring ways to combine stem cell therapy with anti-VEGF treatments for better results.

​​Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Trials for Macular Degeneration: Latest Insights

One promising study involves retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from iPSCs. They just published their results in March 2025, you can check it out here! Or we’ve summarised it below:

• Participants: Six people with dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) took part in this early-stage U.S. trial run by Luxa Biotechnology.
• Procedure: Each person received an injection of 50,000 lab-grown eye cells (made from iPSCs) under the retina to try to replace the damaged ones.
• Results: The treatment looked safe, with no serious side effects. Vision also improved especially in the group with worse eyesight, who gained an average of 21 letters on a standard eye chart after 12 months..

Another study involves retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from iPSCs:

• Participants: 50 patients with advanced AMD are part of this U.S.-based clinical trial.
• Procedure: Stem cells are directed to become RPE cells and transplanted into the retinas.
• Results: Early findings indicate that most participants experience vision improvement, though longer-term follow-ups are needed to confirm lasting effects.
  
• These early results are exciting and suggest that lab-grown eye cells from iPSCs could help people with AMD see better. But it’s still early days! Researchers need to test higher doses and follow patients longer to make sure the treatment is safe and really works over time.
• To read about more studies & Current trials, we’ve compiled the latest research on AMD for you here.

​​Success Rates of Stem Cell Therapy for Macular Degeneration

Early studies show that stem cell therapy could help some people with AMD see better. But it’s still early days, and we don’t have solid success rates yet. Most trials are small, and we need more long-term data to know how well it really works:

• In the early trial from Luxa Biotechnology above, six people with dry AMD were treated with lab-grown retinal cells made from iPSCs. The group with the worst vision to start with saw an average improvement of +21.67 letters on the standard eye chart after 12 months. Which is a big deal when even a few letters can make a difference in real life.
• Another U.S. trial with 50 people reported that most participants saw their vision improve, but we’re still waiting on exact numbers and long-term follow-up to know how lasting those changes are.
• And over in Japan, a smaller study with 30 patients also showed some promising signs, like clearer vision and slower deterioration in the treated eye.
  
  Stem cell therapy for AMD is showing early signs of effectiveness, especially in improving visual acuity for people with severe disease. However, it remains experimental, and more data from larger, longer-term trials is needed to confidently state how often it works, for whom, and for how long.

​​AMD Treatment Comparison: Effectiveness, Accessibility, and Costs

Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular AMD treatments:

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Latest Macular Degeneration Breakthrough: Upcoming Stem Cell Trials

In a macular degeneration breakthrough, researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC Roski Eye Institute, supported by a $6 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), are advancing a therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a leading cause of blindness in older adults.

This treatment introduces an injectable solution derived from stem cell-produced RPE secretions, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and restorative benefits. Unlike current treatments, which only slow the disease, this breakthrough aims to halt or reverse the progression of macular degeneration.

Building on prior research, the team leveraged an RPE cell patch to develop this injectable therapy, targeting early-stage AMD patients. With FDA discussions underway and clinical trials fast-tracked, this discovery marks a significant step in preserving and restoring vision for millions.

​​Risks of Stem Cell Therapy for AMD: What You Should Know

While Stem Cell Therapy for vision loss holds promise, several challenges and risks remain:

1. Will the Cells Survive? Not all transplanted stem cells thrive or successfully integrate. Some may not make it long enough to restore vision effectively.
2. Immune System Rejection: Even with advancements like iPSCs (which use your own cells), there’s still a chance your body might reject stem cells from other sources.
3. Unintended Cell Behaviour: Sometimes, stem cells don’t turn into the specific cells needed for AMD treatment, like retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells or photoreceptors. If this happens, it could lead to unexpected problems or side effects
4. Cost and Accessibility: Stem Cell Therapy is expensive and often available only through clinical trials. Widespread availability will depend on further research and approval from regulatory bodies​

​​Is Stem Cell Therapy the latest Macular Degeneration Breakthrough?

At this point, Stem Cell Therapy for Macular Degeneration is still largely experimental and mainly available through clinical trials. While early results show promise, the treatment isn’t widely proven yet. Some patients have experienced improvements, but success isn’t guaranteed. If you’re thinking about getting it, be aware it’s SUPER early days- or enroll yourself in some of the ongoing clinical trials!

If you want to see what other issues Stem Cells can help with, check out our article on What conditions Stem Cell Therapy can help with!