PF-05206388

PF-05206388 is a regenerative cell therapy consisting of a monolayer of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Developed by Pfizer in collaboration with the London Project to Cure Blindness (University College London), the therapy is designed to treat patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who experience sudden, severe vision loss. The treatment involves the surgical implantation of a specially engineered patch, where the hESC-derived RPE cells are seeded onto a synthetic polyester scaffold (basement membrane). This patch is placed into the subretinal space to replace the patient's damaged or lost RPE cells, which are essential for the survival and function of photoreceptors. By restoring the RPE layer, the therapy aims to prevent further vision loss and potentially recover sight. Although a Phase 1 trial (NCT01691261) demonstrated safety and some efficacy, Pfizer discontinued its ophthalmology stem cell programs in 2018.

Other names

human embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epitheliumhESC-RPELondon Project to Cure Blindness RPE patch