News & Media
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Advancing RPE regenerative therapy
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a thin layer of cells located at the outermost retina and is important for visual perception. Its degeneration leads to irreversible visual impairment, and VCCT is developing a new regenerative therapy using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). In past clinical studies on patients with age-related macular degeneration, we have confirmed the safety of both autologous (custom-made from each patient) and allogeneic (off-the-shelf) RPE cell transplantation. Our latest innovation, the RPE strip, further enables a minimally invasive, yet precise, transplantation method that overcomes the common engraftment issue of retinal cellular therapy. Our goal is to deliver the therapy that is more efficacious, cost-effective, and safer for patients.
Regeneration of Photoreceptor Cells
Our team is at the forefront of delivering regenerative cell therapy for photoreceptor cell degeneration. Our advanced stem cell technologies enable the generation of high-quality retinal organoids which, when transplanted into patients, mature into photoreceptor cells. In partnership with the Kobe City Eye Hospital, we have initiated a clinical study to validate the safety and efficacy of our treatment for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Our latest findings indicate the functionality of transplanted cells in patients, proving a new, viable pathway for restoring lost vision.
Robotic Cell Production
VCCT is solving the variability issue typically seen in cell therapy manufacturing using AI and robotics. In collaboration with the Robotic Biology Institute Inc., creators of the versatile humanoid robot “Maholo”, we have automated the manufacturing process at our own cell processing center. Today, “Maholo” is an integral part of our manufacturing team, successfully deployed for the production of therapeutic cells in clinical studies. Here at VCCT Inc., we are leading the industry in the implementation of automated cell manufacturing.