Early Phase Testing of Regenerative Therapies in Glaucoma

To date, all approved anti-glaucoma medications address the pressure in the eye. While these medications are often effective, no medication thus-far addresses the damage glaucoma imparts on the optic nerve. This small phase 1 clinical trial is testing whether a small growth factor, called CNTF, can protect the optic nerve from damage by glaucoma, and to assess the feasibility of moving on to larger clinical trials. The CNTF is being delivered by a tiny device, called NT-501 encapsulated cell therapy (NT-501 ECT), that contain cells which deliver a steady stream of the growth factor to the retina.

Grantee institution at the time of this grant: University of California, San Diego