Both the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) recently issued statements following a recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine of three women blinded following stem cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
According to FFB, the three patients in the case received ocular injections of stem cells taken from their own fat tissue. The patients reportedly believed they were participating in a government-regulated trial, however, the administration of the stem cells was performed without oversight from the U.S. FDA.
In its statement, FFB said they regularly receive inquiries from people asking about unregulated stem cell trials in the U.S. and globally. FFB urged patients interested in any stem cell trials to first consult their eye care provider, and to beware of clinical studies asking for payment.
Click here to read the full press release.
And in AAO's statement, the organization reiterated its support of the FDA's regulations of stem cell therapy in the use of ophthalmic care. AAO also stated these recent cases confirm its belief that the FDA should thoroughly investigate and level regulatory action against unlicensed clinics who offer stem cell therapy treatments outside of clinical trials.
Click here to read the full press release.
Click here to read the original study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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