Lineage Cell Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies, announced the impressive 24-month visual acuity results from its Phase 1/2a clinical study of OpRegen in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
OpRegen, a suspension of human allogeneic retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, showed significant gains in visual acuity among the study participants. The study enrolled patients from all four cohorts, with Cohort 4 patients showing the most promising results. Among Cohort 4 patients with extensive OpRegen bleb coverage of the GA lesion, visual acuity gains of +7.4 letters were observed.
Furthermore, the study revealed maintenance or improvements in external limiting membrane (ELM) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layers, as seen through optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. This suggests that OpRegen may counteract RPE cell dysfunction and loss in GA by providing support to the remaining retinal cells.
Brian M. Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, expressed optimism regarding the potential of OpRegen in improving patient vision. He emphasized the durability of the visual performance observed in the study, particularly in patients who received thorough OpRegen coverage of atrophic areas. These patients experienced a cessation or reversal of atrophy, accompanied by structural improvements in the outer retina.
OpRegen’s subretinal delivery method offers a promising approach to mitigate RPE cell loss and enhance retinal structure and function. The therapy is being developed as part of a collaboration between Lineage, Roche, and Genentech. Presently, OpRegen is undergoing evaluation in a Phase 2a clinical study for GA secondary to AMD.
While the progress made in treating GA secondary to AMD has been limited, the data from this study provides hope for patients. OpRegen’s ability to support retinal cell health and potentially reverse damage offers a glimmer of possibility for those affected by this degenerative disease.
Lineage Cell Therapeutics looks forward to presenting additional clinical data updates on the OpRegen program, forging the path towards a future where vision loss caused by AMD can be effectively treated.
In addition to the impressive results mentioned in the article, it is worth noting some current market trends related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and potential forecasts for the treatment of this condition.
One of the key trends in the market is the increasing prevalence of AMD. With an aging population worldwide, the number of people affected by AMD is expected to rise significantly. According to Market Research Future, the global age-related macular degeneration market is projected to reach a value of over $10 billion by the year 2023, driven by the growing prevalence of the disease.
There is also a growing demand for more effective and innovative treatments for AMD. The current standard of care for AMD includes anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies, which have shown efficacy in controlling the progression of the disease. However, these treatments require frequent injections and may not be suitable for all patients. Therefore, there is a need for alternative treatment options that can provide sustained benefits with fewer injections.
The promising results from Lineage Cell Therapeutics’ Phase 1/2a clinical study of OpRegen offer hope for patients and suggest that the therapy has the potential to fill this need. The observed visual acuity gains and improvements in retinal structure seen in the study are encouraging and indicate that OpRegen may be effective in countering RPE cell dysfunction and loss in GA.
However, it is important to note that challenges and controversies exist in the development and implementation of new treatments for AMD. One of the challenges is the high cost of these therapies, which can limit access for some patients. Additionally, there may be concerns related to long-term safety and efficacy of cell-based therapies like OpRegen, which will need to be addressed through further research and clinical trials.
In conclusion, Lineage Cell Therapeutics’ OpRegen shows great promise in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. The therapy has the potential to improve visual acuity, support retinal cell health, and potentially reverse damage associated with GA. While there are challenges and controversies in the field, the progress made in this study provides hope for patients and suggests a potential future where vision loss caused by AMD can be effectively treated.
Suggested related link: Lineage Cell Therapeutics Official Website