Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) advances with age and is accompanied by the atrophy or degeneration of the retinal macula. AMD is also one of the most common causes of the deterioration of central visual acuity in the elderly. For the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration, the intravitreal administration of an anti-VEGF drug is used widely. However, to maintain and restore visual function, we must remove neovascular vessels and scar tissues that cause AMD and restore the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) under the retina.

VCCT is working with RIKEN and the Kobe Eye Center Hospital to develop AMD treatments. We have transplanted RPE cells derived from autologous and allogeneic iPS cells to restore RPE and have expanded our target disease from AMD to other RPE-impaired diseases. We have also conducted clinical research on retinal degeneration to improve the deteriorated visual function caused by the degeneration and dysfunction of RPE cells resulting from various causes and are preparing for clinical trials. We aim to deliver therapeutic technologies using iPS cell-derived RPE cells to patients in need as quickly as possible.