British Scientists Develop First Stem Cell Therapy for Blindness
The Times (U.K.) reports
on an amazing breakthrough for blindness. In animal trials, scientists have used stem cells to cure the most common form of blindness, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Surgeons believe that the procedure will be ready for the public in six or seven years. It will be a routine, out-patient procedure that only takes about an hour.
The treatment involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells. It was pioneered by scientists and surgeons from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields eye hospital.
This week Pfizer, the world's largest pharmaceutical research company, will announce its financial backing to bring the therapy to patients.
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Under the new treatment, embryonic stem cells are transformed into replicas of the missing cells. They are then placed on an artificial membrane which is inserted in the back of the retina.
Tom Bremridge, chief executive of the Macular Disease Society, said: "This is a huge step forward for patients. We are extremely pleased that the big guns have become involved, because, once this treatment is validated, it will be made available to a huge volume of patients."
This is an amazing breakthrough. Clearly Pfizer has reviewed the results and is putting up the money to make it happen.
