AuthorisedHuman Pharmacology (Phase I)- First administration to humansInterventional

CellThRPE1

This study, called CellThRPE1, is investigating a new treatment for geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration. This eye condition can lead to significant vision loss and currently has limited treatment options. The new treatment involves a type of cell therapy, and this early-stage study is the very first time it will be given to people. Researchers want to carefully check if the treatment is safe and how the body reacts to it. If successful, this research could pave the way for future studies to see if it can help improve vision for people living with this challenging eye condition. It's a crucial first step in developing potential new therapies.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Human Pharmacology (Phase I)- First administration to humans

Sponsor

St Erik Eye Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

05 Jun 2025

Geographic atrophy secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration

What is this study about?

This study, known as CellThRPE1, is focused on finding a new way to help people with an eye problem called geographic atrophy. This condition is a severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration, which affects your central vision – the part you use for reading, recognising faces, and driving. Geographic atrophy causes blind spots and blurry vision because the cells at the back of your eye, called the macula, wear away.

Currently, there aren't many ways to treat geographic atrophy, so finding new solutions is really important for people living with this condition. This particular study is looking at a new treatment called CellThRPE1. The main goal right now is to see if this treatment is safe when given to people for the first time. Think of it like taking the very first steps in testing a brand new medicine – safety is the absolute priority.

By carefully studying how people react to CellThRPE1, researchers hope to learn if it could be a promising treatment option in the future. If it proves to be safe, more studies would follow to see if it can actually help to slow down or even improve vision. This early research is a vital part of developing potential new therapies that could one day make a big difference for people with geographic atrophy.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new treatment (CellThRPE1) for geographic atrophy.
It's the very first time this treatment is being given to people (Phase I study).
The main goal is to check how safe the treatment is.
Adults aged 18 and over, both men and women, may be eligible.
Taking part helps advance research for a condition with limited current treatments.
You can always choose to stop participating if you want to.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be an adult, 18 years old or older. There is no upper age limit, meaning older adults are also welcome to be considered.

Both men and women can take part in this research. The study is looking for a wide range of adults to understand how the new treatment works in different people.

Keep in mind that while these are the general requirements, your eye doctor or the study team will need to check your specific health information and eye condition in detail to make sure the study is a good fit for you. There will be other specific health checks to ensure you can safely take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have geographic atrophy secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration?
Are you able to attend regular clinic appointments?
Are you of any sex (male or female)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided doesn't give specific details about what taking part will involve in terms of visits, assessments, or how long the study will last. However, in early-stage studies like this, participants typically undergo regular and thorough health check-ups and eye examinations. You would likely have frequent visits to the clinic to monitor your general health and vision very closely after receiving the experimental treatment. There might be specific medication related to the study, and you would be given clear instructions on how and when to take it.

Follow-up appointments are a very important part of these studies to track your health and the treatment's effects over time. You would be told the total expected duration of your involvement, which could range from several months to a year or more, depending on the study design. All procedures and expectations would be explained to you in full before you decide to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

While we cannot predict exact outcomes, potential benefits of taking part in this study could include receiving a new treatment that might help with your geographic atrophy, which currently has limited options. You would also contribute to medical science, potentially helping others in the future. As this is a very early-stage study, the main risk is that the new treatment's safety isn't yet fully known, and there could be side effects, some of which might be serious. It might also not improve your condition. You would be closely monitored, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Sweden

Common questions

What is geographic atrophy?

It's a severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration where cells in the central part of your vision (the macula) wear away, causing blind spots and blurry vision.

Who is Patient.info for?

Patient.info provides trusted health information for a general UK audience, helping you understand your health conditions and treatment options.

What does 'Phase I' mean for a study?

Phase I means this is the very first time this treatment is being tried in people. Researchers are mainly checking if it's safe and how the body reacts to it.

Will this treatment cure my geographic atrophy?

It's too early to say. This study's main goal is to check for safety. If it's safe, future studies would then look at whether it can help improve or slow down the condition.

Can I stop participating in the study if I change my mind?

Yes, absolutely. You have the right to leave the study at any point, and your decision won't affect your regular medical care.