StemCells Reports Preclinical Data On HuCNS-SC Cells - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - StemCells Inc. (STEM) announced the publication of preclinical data confirming that the company's HuCNS-SC cells, or purified human neural stem cells, preserve photoreceptor cells and visual function in a widely used model of retinal degeneration. The company said the data show not only that HuCNS-SC cells preserve the number of photoreceptors that would otherwise be lost, but also that the surviving photoreceptors appear healthy and normal, and maintain their synaptic connection to other important cells necessary for visual function. The study confirmed the preliminary hypothesis that HuCNS-SC cells phagocytose photoreceptor outer segments.

StemCells is currently conducting a Phase I/II clinical trial in the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, the most prevalent form of the disease.