The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) awarded Luxa Biotechnology $4 million to support the Phase 1/2a study (NCT04627428) of RPESC‑RPE‑4W transplantation, an innovative therapy for dry age‑related macular degeneration. The funding will significantly expand manufacturing and clinical work in California.

Dry AMD is a common eye disorder in people over 50 caused by deterioration of retinal pigment epithelial cells in the macula. As these cells die and are not replaced, patients lose central vision, reducing quality of life.

There are currently no treatments that reverse dry AMD, which affects nearly 19.8 million people in the United States.

A potential cell therapy

Luxa Biotechnology’s RPESC‑RPE‑4W is a cell product derived from adult retinal pigment epithelial stem cells that generate RPE progeny. Transplanting these four‑week differentiated progenitor cells aims to replace native RPE cells lost during AMD progression. This therapy offers a potential breakthrough for dry AMD.

Dr. Jeffrey Stern, co‑founder of the Neural Stem Cell Institute and principal investigator, expressed gratitude for CIRM’s support.

“We are honored that CIRM recognizes the potential of our precursor‑stage RPE cell technology. RPESC‑RPE‑4W aims to restore vision for patients with dry AMD and improve quality of life,” said Dr. Stern. “Encouraging early results motivate Luxa Biotechnology to expand manufacturing and clinical work in California.”

Dr. Abla Creasey, Vice President of Therapeutics Development at CIRM, highlighted the significance of this research.

“RPESC‑RPE‑4W therapy represents a promising advance for dry AMD. We are impressed with Luxa Biotechnology’s stem cell replacement approach and proud to support efforts to restore vision and hope.”

CIRM has funded multiple dry AMD projects, underscoring its commitment to advancing treatments for people with vision loss. This grant will accelerate RPE stem cell therapy development and aims to transform care for millions affected by dry AMD.