Initial clinical results of ongoing retinal regeneration therapy study announced

Some hopeful news in retinal disease research: initial results for a new laser technology may point in future to earlier treatments for diseases such as dry AMD and diabetic retinopathy.

Ellex Medical Laser Limited, a designer and manufacturer of ophthalmic equipment for the international market and the research team leading the project recently announced the initial results of treating patients with a new retinal regeneration therapy called Ellex 2RT.

This non-thermal laser treatment stimulates the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) – a cell layer that nourishes photoreceptor cells in the retina. This stimulation causes the RPE to release enzymes that repair damage. Specifically, the enzymes repair the Bruch’s membrane, a part of the retina that provides energy and waste removal for the photoreceptors. Damage to the Bruch’s membrane is typically associated with the dry form of AMD as well as other retinal diseases.

In the past few years of testing, the therapy has demonstrated the potential to drastically change the way patients with AMD or diabetic retinopathy are treated because it can be used earlier, before patients experience significant vision loss. It also shows promise since currently there is no cure or treatment for dry AMD, the most common form of AMD, affecting 85 to 90% of patients.

The treatment was developed from research done by teams in Australia and the United Kingdom, led by Dr. John Marshall, Frost Professor of Ophthalmology at the Rayne Institute and head of the Academic Department of Ophthalmology at King’s College, University of London.

Although preliminary results are promising, more clinical trials are scheduled to take place worldwide over the next year to see if the product is as effective as expected.

For more information, visit www.ellex.com.

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