Method for Generating Human Retinal Neurons and Phoreceptors from Embryonic Stem Cells

Introduction There are a number of degenerative conditions, both inherited and acquired, that affect the retina and lead to blindness. Retinal photoreceptors degenerate from inherited conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa or as a result of light damage or normal ageing; retinal ganglion cells degenerate from optic nerve injury or glaucoma. Currently, there are limited options for therapy for the promotion of retinal cell function, including survival, proliferation, differentiation, growth and changes in gene activity and metabolic activity. Such a therapy would be useful for treatment of a variety of eye disorders resulting in loss of sight. Technology description Dr Thomas Reh’s laboratory has developed methods to treat eye disorders using neuregulins, which have diverse functions in the development of the nervous system. Here, neuregulins are used as growth factors to promote survival of retinal cells. The treatments may be administered through intraocular injection to patients that suffer from degenerative disorders, which lead to loss of sight. Business Opportunity Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in patients 25-74 years. It is responsible for 12,000-24,000 new cases of blindness per year in the United States. Of the 6 million diabetics in the US, 50% show detectable retinopathy after 7 years of diabetes. Agerelated macular degeneration is estimated to be present in over 9% of the population 52 years and older and in 33% of the population 75 years and older. Glaucoma is associated with chronically high intraocular pressure and approximately 2 million people in the US are currently being treated. In the US approximately 100,000 people are blinded each year by glaucoma.

Patents:
US 6,750,196

Type of Offer: Licensing



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