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Publication Date: 05 June 2007
What is the project?
The London Project aims to deliver the world's first stem-cell treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) within a five year timescale. A team of researchers and clinicians is being assembled for the project, which will develop the use of embryonic stem cells to repair damaged retinas.
Around a quarter of people over the age of 60 in the UK have some degree of vision loss caused by AMD. In Europe as a whole, an estimated 14 million people suffer blindness because of the condition.
What is AMD?
There are two types of AMD, "wet" and "dry". While much progress has been made in tackling wet AMD, which is characterised by leaking blood vessels, no treatment is currently available for dry AMD.
Dry AMD is the most common form and occurs in 9 in 10 cases. In this type the cells in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the macula gradually become thin and degenerate. This layer of cells is crucial for the function of the rods and cones (the 'seeing cells') which then also degenerate and die. Typically, dry AMD is a very gradual process as the number of cells affected increases. It usually takes several years for vision to become seriously affected.
What will the project hope to achieve?
The new project aims to generate RPE cells from embryonic stem cells in the laboratory and transplant them into the eyes of patients.
Stem cells are immature, dormant cells with the ability to turn into different cell types. Embryonic stem cells, among the most potent, are obtained from early stage embryos the size of a pinhead.
How is it funded and who is involved?
The London Project to cure AMD will use a £4 million donation from a US private donor to fund the research and attract leading experts from around the world. Scientists from Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, and the University of Sheffield are involved the research, which is hoped will be at the clinical trial stage within five years.
Lead clinician and consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields, Lyndon Da Cruz, said: "Given AMD could affect up to one third of people in their eighties and that the bulk of these will have dry AMD, the potential to create a treatment strategy for this condition is critical and may have a major impact on vision loss in the community."
Is it available now?
No. Today’s announcement was simply to highlight the London Project. It is expected that clinical trials will take place within five years.
Can I be added to a waiting list?
Due to the timescale of at least five years until clinical trial stage, we are not coordinating any waiting lists.
Where can I get further information?
For further information, please contact the London Project team (email enquiries@thelondonproject.org, telephone 020 7608 4037, or website at www.thelondonproject.org).
