Macular degeneration patients could soon become the world's first to benefit from a new transplant operation using embryonic stem cells. Scientists from an American biotechnology company has applied for a licence to begin clinical trial on those with macular degeneration. They are confident that it would be approved and the trials could start as soon as early next year.
Embryonic stem cells are stem cells derived from human embryos that are only a few days old. They are believed to have the ability to develop into any of the scores of specialised tissues of the body. The hope is that they could be used to repair the damaged organs and tissues of patients with a relatively simple transplant procedure. In the case of macular degeneration sufferers, repair the macula.
Scientists are optimistic, citing positive results from tests on animals. Transplants of the human cells into rats with macular degeneration resulted in a "100 per cent improvement" in vision with no side-effect.
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Embryonic stem cells are stem cells derived from human embryos that are only a few days old. They are believed to have the ability to develop into any of the scores of specialised tissues of the body. The hope is that they could be used to repair the damaged organs and tissues of patients with a relatively simple transplant procedure. In the case of macular degeneration sufferers, repair the macula.
Scientists are optimistic, citing positive results from tests on animals. Transplants of the human cells into rats with macular degeneration resulted in a "100 per cent improvement" in vision with no side-effect.
For the complete story, click here.
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