MA09-hRPE, embryonic retinal pigmented epithelial cells for degenerative macular diseases

MA09-hRPE are single-blastomere human embryonic stem cells that have terminally differentiated into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These cells have the capacity to support photoreceptor survival and preserve visual function after subretinal transplantation. MA09-hRPE are being tested for treatment of degenerative macular diseases. Preliminary studies reported that hESC-derived RPE cells showed no signs of hyperproliferation, tumorigenicity, ectopic tissue formation, or apparent rejection after 4 months.