ACT cleared for European human embryonic stem cell trial

By Michelle Lang

Related News

ACT names Rabin as permanent CEO [August 19, 2011]

ACT seeks human trials of its stem cell-linked eye treatment [November 30, 2010]

ACT gets OK for embryonic stem cell-based trial [November 22, 2010]

ACT moves heart failure treatment through trials [September 29, 2010]

Federal funding reinstated for embryonic stem cell research [September 29, 2010]

Advanced Cell Technology Inc. (ACT) has won approval from the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to start its first human embryonic stem cell trial in Europe by treating patients for a form of macular degeneration.

The Phase 1/2 clinical trial will test retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in treating patients with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy (SMD), an incurable disease that can lead to blindness in young people. The disease affects up to 100,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe.

The trials are expected to take place at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital. ACT’s RPE product has already scored orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency for treating SMD.

Marlborough-based ACT (OTCBB: ACTC) announced in March that it had secured patent protection in China for its process of making and preparing the RPE cells used in treating macular degenerative diseases.

Comments

If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.