Scientists Develop 3D Retinal Tissue From Stem Cells Using cGMP

Newswise — Denver, Colo. – Scientists have produced crude 3D tissue structures from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells under current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), an important step for eventual large-scale use in human patients. The research is being presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Denver, Colo.

Simplified 3D structures of the retina were produced using a variety of cGMP-compliant culturing procedures and sources of iPS cells. iPS cells from “super donors,” individuals who provide beneficial immune matches to significant portions of the U.S. population, were also successfully generated.

Clinical trials involving transplantation of retinal tissue, found in the back of the eye and responsible for sight, derived from human stem cells are ongoing. Additional types and shapes of tissue are still sought for improved patient outcomes.

Abstract Title: cGMP production of neural retina from hiPSCs Presentation Start/End Time: Tuesday, May 5, 11:15am – 11:30am Location: 2B/3B Mile High BlrmAbstract Number: 3170# # #

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders.

All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.