Neural stem cells transplanted into rat retinas with retinitis pigmentosa preserved vision for up to 180 days (equivalent to 20 human years) by delivering protective proteins, reducing cellular stress, restoring retinal health, and maintaining structural integrity, as revealed by single-cell analysis1.
A phase 1/2 clinical trial of cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cells (CALEC) for irreversible corneal damage achieved 77-79% complete cornea restoration and 92-93% overall success at 12-18 months, with vision improvements in all 14 patients25.
USC Roski Eye Institute launched a phase 2b trial in January 2026 testing a tiny stem cell-derived retinal implant for advanced dry age-related macular degeneration, building on prior safety data where 27% of patients showed vision improvement34.
Ocular Regenerative Medicine Institute has conducted early trials of embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium for AMD and developed therapies for retinitis pigmentosa using retinal progenitor cells7.
Sources:
1. https://neurosciencenews.com/neural-stem-cells-vision-preservation-30261/
2. https://www.nei.nih.gov/research-and-training/research-news/novel-stem-cell-therapy-repairs-irreversible-corneal-damage-clinical-trial
3. https://news.keckmedicine.org/can-a-retinal-implant-reverse-macular-degeneration/
4. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260108231348.htm
5. https://physicianresources.dana-farber.org/news/novel-stem-cell-therapy-safely-repairs-irreversible-corneal-damage-in-clinical-trial