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Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy for Retinal and Optic Nerve Disorders (SCOTS2 Trial)

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Jeffrey Weiss, MD
Research Sponsored by MD Stem Cells
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Have objective, documented damage to the retina or optic nerve unlikely to improve OR Have objective, documented damage to the retina or optic nerve that is progressive AND have less than or equal to 20/30 best corrected central visual acuity in one or both eyes AND/OR an abnormal visual field in one or both eyes.
Be over the age of 18
Must not have
Patients who are not capable of an adequate ophthalmologic examination or evaluation to document the pathology
Patients who are not capable of providing informed consent
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up change from pre-procedure to 12 months
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will use stem cells from patients' own bone marrow to treat severe vision loss caused by retinal or optic nerve damage. The stem cells will be injected into the eye to help repair the damaged tissues. SCOTS is the largest ophthalmology stem cell study registered at the National Institutes of Health, using autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells for retinal and optic nerve diseases.

Who is the study for?
Adults over 18 with progressive or stable damage to the retina or optic nerve, and vision no better than 20/30. They must be medically stable for the procedure, have potential to improve with BMSC treatment, and not at high risk from it. Excluded are those unable to consent, at significant health risk if treated, unable to undergo proper eye exams, or unwilling to follow up as required.
What is being tested?
The trial is testing autologous bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) therapy on individuals with various retinal and optic nerve diseases. The goal is to assess whether this treatment can repair damaged tissues in conditions that lead to blindness or low vision.
What are the potential side effects?
While specific side effects are not listed here, typical risks may include reactions at the extraction site of bone marrow, infection risk due to stem cell transplantation procedures and possible immune system responses against transplanted cells.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have documented damage to my retina or optic nerve that won't improve or is getting worse, and my vision is 20/30 or worse.
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I am over 18 years old.
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I have documented damage to my retina or optic nerve that won't improve, with vision 20/30 or worse.
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I have worsening eye damage and my vision is 20/30 or worse, or I have abnormal vision fields.
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I am over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I cannot undergo a thorough eye exam to document any eye conditions.
Select...
I am unable to understand and give consent for treatment.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~change from pre-procedure to 12 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from pre-procedure to 12 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Visual Acuity
Secondary study objectives
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Visual Fields

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Arm 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
BMSC provided retrobulbar, subtenon and intravenous for one or both eyes
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Arm 1
2020
N/A
~1190

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Fundus Flavimaculatus, or Stargardt disease, is treated with methods aimed at slowing progression and managing symptoms. Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells (BMSC) are being explored for their ability to differentiate into retinal cells and their paracrine effects, which involve secreting growth factors and cytokines to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. This is crucial for patients as it offers a potential to restore retinal function and slow disease progression, addressing the root cause of cellular damage.
Florid diabetic retinopathy and its response to treatment by photocoagulation or pituitary ablation.Real-world outcomes of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy in proliferative type 2 macular telangiectasia.[Clinical observation on macular edema treated with treating different diseases with the same acupuncture comprehensive therapy].

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

MD Stem CellsLead Sponsor
5 Previous Clinical Trials
990 Total Patients Enrolled
Steven Levy, MDStudy ChairMD Stem Cells
4 Previous Clinical Trials
940 Total Patients Enrolled
Jeffrey Weiss, MDPrincipal InvestigatorCoral Springs
4 Previous Clinical Trials
940 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Arm 1 (Stem Cell Therapy) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03011541 — N/A
Stargardt Disease Research Study Groups: Arm 1
Stargardt Disease Clinical Trial 2023: Arm 1 Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03011541 — N/A
Arm 1 (Stem Cell Therapy) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03011541 — N/A
Stargardt Disease Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT03011541 — N/A
~35 spots leftby Jul 2025