Innovation Series: A stem cell patch for treating advanced dry AMD

In this Ophthalmology Times EyePod podcast, Mandeep S. Singh, MD, PhD, speaks with Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD, to learn about the advancements for a novel stem cell patch developed by a team of researchers at USC for the treatment of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration.

Dr. Humayun talks about the inspiration behind the patch, how his expertise in both ophthalmology and biomedical engineering has been crucial, and insights gained from a Phase 1/2a study. Dr. Humayun also outlines the upcoming steps for a multisite Phase 2b clinical trial and envisions the potential future role of the stem cell patch in the treatment of geographic atrophy.

Mandeep S. Singh, MD, PhD

• Associate professor of ophthalmology and genetic medicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland
• Recipient of the 2023 Andreas C. Dracopoulous Professorship in Ophthalmology
• Co-Director of the Genetic Eye Diseases (GEDi) Center and principal investigator at the Center for Stem Cells and Ocular Regenerative Medicine (STORM)

Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD

• University Professor of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles, California
• Cornelius J. Pings Chair in Biomedical Sciences
• Director, USC Ginsberg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics
• Co-Director USC Roski Eye Institute
• Received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama in 2016 for his innovative work and development of the Argus II.