revakinagene taroretcel-lwey

Revakinagene taroretcel-lwey (Encelto) is an allogeneic encapsulated cell-based gene therapy developed by Neurotech Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative retinal diseases. The therapy utilizes the Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT) platform, consisting of a semi-permeable intraocular implant containing genetically engineered human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These cells are designed to continuously produce and secrete recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhCNTF) directly into the vitreous cavity. CNTF is a potent neuroprotective cytokine that supports the survival and function of photoreceptors and other retinal neurons by activating a tripartite receptor complex consisting of ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor alpha (CNTFRα), leukemia inhibitory factor receptor beta (LIFRβ), and glycoprotein 130 (gp130). The semi-permeable membrane of the implant allows for the outward diffusion of the therapeutic protein while protecting the encapsulated cells from the host's immune system, enabling long-term delivery without the need for systemic immunosuppression. It was FDA-approved in March 2025 for the treatment of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel).

Brand names

Encelto

Other names

revakinagene taroretcelEncapsulated Cell Therapy NT-501