Stem Cells for Retinal Disease: A Perspective on the Promise and Perils

Stem/progenitor cell-based interventions have the potential to address blinding retinal diseases that affect hundreds of millions worldwide. Yet no Food and Drug Administration-approved stem cell therapies for retinal disease exist. Although some early-phase trial data are promising, reports of blinding complications from cell interventions remain troubling. It is paramount to apply a strong level of scientific rigor toward a well-planned, step-wise sequence of preclinical and clinical studies, to determine whether this class of potential therapies will be safe and effective for individuals with retinal diseases.