NT-501: an ophthalmic implant of polymer-encapsulated ciliary neurotrophic factor-producing cells

Curr Opin Mol Ther. 2008 Oct;10(5):506-15.

Abstract

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals Inc is developing NT-501, an implantable polymeric device containing a genetically modified cell line that secretes ciliary neurotrophic factor, for the potential treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Phase III clinical trials for RP and a phase II clinical trial for dry AMD are ongoing. A phase I clinical trial showed that NT-501 treatment was well tolerated with variable, but positive improvements in visual acuity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line / metabolism*
  • Cell Line / transplantation*
  • Cells, Immobilized / transplantation*
  • Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / genetics
  • Macular Degeneration / metabolism
  • Macular Degeneration / therapy*
  • Polymers*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / genetics
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / metabolism
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / therapy*

Substances

  • Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor
  • Polymers