Today, the first participant in the “Clinical study of autologous induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell sheets for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD)” underwent transplantation of a cell sheet graft.

Surgical schedule

Location: Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (Kobe, Japan)
Start of procedure: 14:20, September 12, 2014
End of procedure: 16:20, September 12, 2014
Surgical staff: A team led by Yasuo Kurimoto, M.D. and two other ophthalmologists.

Result

A single RPE cell sheet (1.3 mm x 3 mm) was engrafted into the subretinal space of one eye. There was no serious hemorrhaging or complications.

Research subject

Residence: Hyogo Prefecture Age: 70s Gender: Female
To protect patient confidentiality, and out of respect for the strong wishes of the individual, no information other than that given above will be made public.

Research funding

This clinical study is funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Contact

Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation
General Affairs Office
Tel: +81-(0)78-306-1700 / Fax: +81-(0)78-306-1708

RIKEN
Office for Research Communications, Center for Developmental Biology
Tel: +81-(0)78-306-3043
Email: ips-amd [at] cdb.riken.jp

Public Relations Office
Email: ex-press [at] riken.jp