ASGCT 2021 | Challenges in translating iPSC-based AMD therapies to the clinic

Masayo Takahashi, MD, PhD, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research & Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan, discusses the challenges associated with the translation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies to the clinic. She highlights the importance of developing robust culture protocols to help reduce lot-to-lot variation and explains that purity control of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell products can be achieved based on pigmentation colour, which helps to avoid contamination. Another key challenge is the selection of suitable patients with age-related macular degeneration that will benefit from specific cell therapies. This interview took place during the American Society for Cell & Gene Therapy 24th Annual Meeting 2021.