Renexus® (NT-501), CNTF-secreting cells for treatment of retinal diseases

Renexus® (NT-501) is an allogeneic intra-vitreous implant of the NTC201 human retinal pigment epithelium cell line transfected with a plasmid encoding ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). CNTF has a positive effect on various ocular diseases. Cells are encapsulated inside the NT-501 device. The implantation procedure was found to be safe with no retinal detachment or increase in intraocular pressure. Treated retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular degeneration patients demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in retinal thickness and inhibition of vision loss.