Positive pre-clinical data has been published on ReNeuron Group Plc's (LON:RENE) cell therapy for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited disease, which can cause blindness.
The firm recently kicked off a phase I/II clinical trial in the USA and initial short-term safety and tolerability data from the phase I part in the first nine patients is expected in early 2017.
Today's published data however was in a Journal called 'Translational Vision Science & Technology (TVST)' and describes work done by ReNeuron's research collaborators at University College London and Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, in Boston USA.
ReNeuron's human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) were used on pre-clinical rodent models and the long-term efficacy and safety was tested, with positive results.
"The hRPCs were well tolerated, safe and preserved retinal structure and vision up to six months post-injection in the studies," the firm revealed.
"The cells also survived and integrated into both damaged and normal neural retina without adverse affects. These findings suggest that, as well as treating later stage retinal disease, the hRPCs can be deployed in less affected regions of the retina at earlier stages of retinal disease or even in normal regions of peripheral retina.
ReNeuron chief executive Olav Hellebø said: "We are pleased to see the publication of further positive pre-clinical data from our hRPC retinal stem cells in a quality peer-reviewed scientific journal."
The company boss added: "We look forward to reporting data from the ongoing US Phase I/II clinical trial in RP patients during the course of next year."
In Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) the rod photoreceptor cells in the retina pogressively degenerate.
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