Witness a groundbreaking stem cell technique that has restored partial vision to two blind individuals for the first time! Learn how a revolutionary method using stem cell-derived cellular patches implanted in the retina has shown promise in treating macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Discover the incredible results of the procedure conducted at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, where patients with age-related macular degeneration regained their ability to see, with one even able to read a newspaper post-operation. Dive into the details of this groundbreaking research published in Nature Biotechnology, showcasing a significant advancement in regenerative medicine that could revolutionize treatment options for those suffering from vision loss. Explore the potential of this innovative technique to become widely available and affordable in the UK within the next five years.
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00:00For the first time, a groundbreaking stem cell technique has enabled two individuals
00:10who were blind to regain partial vision.
00:13This innovative method holds promise as a potential cure for one of the most prevalent
00:18forms of blindness.
00:21At Moorfields Eye Hospital, a National Health Service facility in London, a cellular patch
00:26derived from stem cells was implanted into the retina of a patient suffering from macular
00:31degeneration, restoring their ability to see.
00:35Macular degeneration is responsible for nearly 50% of all visual impairments globally.
00:42Both patients involved in the study had age-related macular degeneration, AMD, a condition that
00:48obliterates central vision and was progressively robbing them of their sight.
00:53Prior to the procedure, they were unable to see a book, let alone read its text.
00:59Remarkably, post-operation, one patient could read a newspaper at a rate of 60 to 80 words
01:05per minute using standard reading glasses.
01:08The findings, detailed in the journal Nature Biotechnology, highlight the safe and effective
01:13implantation of a specially engineered patch of retinal pigment epithelium cells.
01:19Peter Coffey from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London, a co-author
01:24of the study, hailed the research as a significant advancement in regenerative medicine.
01:30He noted that it paves the way for new treatment options for individuals with age-related macular
01:35degeneration.
01:37A notable achievement of the trial was demonstrating that the patient's immune system did not require
01:43extensive suppression to prevent rejection of the stem cells.
01:47Within 5 years, this treatment could be widely available and affordable in the United Kingdom.