New Technique to Deliver Stem Cell Therapy May Help Damaged Eyes Regain Their Sight

New Technique to Deliver Stem Cell Therapy May Help Damaged Eyes Regain Their Sight

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121205103010.htm

A technique was developed at the University of Sheffield for delivering stem cells to a person's cornea to help regain sight. It involves a lens made utilizing microstereolithography and electrospinning which recreates the normal indents in around a person's cornea, promoting stem cell survival. This lens is biodegradeable and thinner at the center, allowing the stem cells to quickly have access to the center of the cornea.

This technique is superior to the traditional method because it is more suitable for the stem cells. With other techniques, the stem cells eventually get used up and the patient's eye will scar; this new design has the ability to keep a suitable supply of stem cells to prevent scar tissue from forming. Another advantage is that it is quick and takes its stem cells from the patient's other eye, avoiding the possibility of rejection as is possible in other methods.

The research will be able to progress quickly into human trials due to its use of pre-approved materials.

I found this article interesting because many of the stem cell treatment articles I've read have discussed treatments still years away from consistent human trial (even the stem cell SNBAL seemed doubtful). This article not only showed that stem cells are being used, but it presented a quick and affordable alternative. It will probably be several years before the results of this study are released, but it was still nice to see a positive outlook on the subject for once.

One question that the article did not make clear for me was whether or not the stem cells will multiply within the corneal niches, or if they are intended to be easily replenished. I assume the former.