A Study of Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) Implant for Patients With Late Stage Retinitis Pigmentosa
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of this study is to look at the safety and effectiveness of CNTF implants on
vision in persons with retinitis pigmentosa, Usher type II & III, and Choroideremia. This
research is being done because there are no effective therapies for people with these retinal
degenerations. They are genetic disorders that affect our ability to see at night, and later
cause tunnel vision and loss of central vision. Retinal degenerations affect the retina, a
light sensitive layer of cells in the back of the eye. Slowly over time, these cells die and
cause permanent loss of vision.
The implant is a small capsule that contains human retinal pigment epithelium cells. These
cells have been given the ability to make CNTF and release it through the capsule membrane
into the surrounding fluid. This study will look at the effect of the implant on vision loss
by retinitis pigmentosa, Usher type II & III, and Choroideremia. In this study, two different
CNTF dose levels will be used: a high dose and a low dose in one eye, as well as a sham (or
placebo) surgery in the other eye.