Drano and others, please put on your scientist hats. The ACTC scientists have gotten a good result from only 50,000 cells injected into the RPE channel. The Stargart and Dry Macular Degeneration's diseases destroy cells so that the nerve route from the cones and rods can't get through the channel. And, these diseases are constantly after the cells. They don't simply stop because the RPE is refilled with 50,000 brand new cells. How long will 50,000 stand up against the diseases?
So, as good scientists, they want to see (no pun intended) how much more improvement there will be and how long will the cells last before they too start to be destroyed/degenerate?
Although the aim is merely to stop the diseases in their tracks, the scientists must be thinking, can we perhaps expect an even greater result? Of course they are not hyping this concept. The FDA does not want such early results hyped for fear of turning the science into a popularity contest and then political hot-potato.
Yet, we are talking about a huge step in science. In fact, an earth-shaking step IF the additional cells, the extra 50,000 cells on top of the first cohorts' 50,000 stay in place and truly add that much more clarity of vision to these patients. Could we start to approach recovery of color interpretation? Could we be talking about the brain focusing in a much greater way on objects?
In my opinion, the news is very meaningful. I'm happy for the Company. I do hope they can do the same for all their trials.
AI
