The BrightFocus Foundation is helping fund research for an experimental glaucoma drug consisting of cells manufactured and implanted in the eye to stimulate optic nerve growth and activity.
Known as NT-501 encapsulated cell therapy (or NT-501 ECT), the experimental treatment reportedly includes a capsule filled with human cells that have been genetically modified to secrete ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to promote nerve growth and activity. The capsule is reportedly implanted into the eye and releases a steady stream of growth factors to protect the optic nerve.
BrightFocus had reportedly funded Phase 1 of the clinical trial for this new treatment, and now is helping to fund the recently launched Phase 2, which is being led by Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, chair of ophthalmology and director of the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University.
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Source: BrightFocus Foundation