Advanced Cell Technology Inc., announced today that it had received approval from the FDA to commence its clinical trial using retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to treat the dry form of age-related macular degeneration. ACT is now permitted to initiate a Phase I/II multicenter clinical trial to treat patients with dry AMD, the most common form of macular degeneration in the world. There are currently no approved treatments available for this prevalent disease of an aging global population. Dry AMD, representing a substantial global market opportunity and afflicts between 10-15 million Americans, and (Read more...)