USC-supported startup Regenerative Patch Technologies (RPT) has secured a $12.4 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) for a phase 2b clinical trial of its stem cell patch for advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. The patch aims to restore retina structure and function to improve vision in patients with geographic atrophy. The patch development received support from USC, The Marcus Foundation, and the state institute CIRM.
Key Points:
- USC-supported startup RPT receives $12.4 million grant from CIRM for a clinical trial
- Patch targets advanced dry age-related macular degeneration
- Positive results from prior research indicate potential to improve vision
- Geographic atrophy affects over 1 million Americans with no current therapy
- USC Research and Innovation provided $2 million toward co-funding requirement
- The Marcus Foundation contributed more than $7 million in a peer-reviewed grant
- Clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of the patch on 24 patients with vision loss
- Stem cell-based subretinal implant aims to restore retina’s functionality
- Implant named “California Project to Cure Blindness-Retinal Pigment Epithelium 1” (CPCB-RPE1)
- Clinical trial led by USC Roski Eye Institute faculty members
- CIRM supports stem cell treatments to address unmet medical needs
The patch’s development involves USC researchers, Dr. Mark Humayun, Dennis Clegg, and the late David Hinton.