Retinal pigment epithelium transplantation

Abstract

An implant is provided for transplantation to the subretinal area of a host's eye comprising a laminate of a monolayer of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and a non-toxic, flexible support that, upon exposure to a set of predetermined conditions, will not impede normal eye tissue function. A method for preparing a population of RPE cells for transplantation to the subretinal area of a host eye is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing donor tissue comprising RPE cells, harvesting from that tissue RPE cells, and apposing the harvested RPE cells as a monolayer to a non-toxic, flexible support that, upon transplantation to the subretinal area and exposure to a set of predetermined conditions, will not impede normal eye tissue function of the host eye and the transplanted population. A method for transplanting the above implant is also provided, comprising providing the implant, making an incision through a host's eye, at least partially detaching the retina to permit access to the subretinal area, and positioning the implant in the accessed area.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.