Cure blindness by transplanting germ cells

British scientists are planning to use germ cells (in the spinal cord) to cure blindness. This is good news for those patients who still think it cannot be cured. The first patients will participate in this experiment over a five-year period.

This pioneering project aims to restore damaged retinal cells by cells taken from the human spinal cord. Supporters argue that to do this requires a simple surgery such as cataract surgery and after a day the patient can be healthy normally.

They believe that the new method will help restore the eyesight of many patients, especially those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)). This is a common cause of blindness in the elderly, affecting up to 14 million people in Europe.

AMD is caused by retinal epithelial cells (retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)).

According to the new study, RPE cells will be replaced by germ cells. After that, the surgeon will inject some new cells into the eye, about 4 to 6 millimeters in size.

The ADM treatment project has linked many scientists from the University of London, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the University of Sheffield. The program received £ 4 million (US $ 8 million) from an anonymous American philanthropist.

Project manager Pete Coffey of the University of London said he believed the research could be applied to humans, but the team needed to ensure the safety and quality of the cells. Injected in. He added that 'The goal of the project is that within 5 years we have to select 10 or 12 patients to put the cells in.'

This project is not commercial.

TAM HA