Dr Robert Lanza and Advanced Cell Technology: On the cusp of changing the standard of care for dise

Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of cellular therapies for the treatment of diseases, is in the midst of clinical trials for Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy and Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Lanza, Chief Scientific Officer at Advanced Cell Technology, ACT has three cellular product platforms based on stem cell technology. Key to Robert Lanza's accomplishments is a proven alternative method for successful hESC generation without harm to the embryo, called the "single-cell blastomere" technique, on which it holds broad intellectual property (IP) protection.  Lanza’s work while at ACT is focused on commercializing its human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) therapy for degenerative retinal disease, for which it recently initiated two Phase 1/2 clinical trials.The company is also developing its human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based Hemangioblast (HG) platform for the treatment of blood and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, Lanza has also focused ACT’s resources on advancing its Phase 2-approved Myoblast autologous adult stem cell therapy for the treatment of chronic heart failure, advanced cardiac disease, myocardial infarction, and ischemia.Once clinical trial results are obtained, and disseminated, it will be up to the FDA’s determination as how this science moves forward.  Another round of trials may be expected for both remedies. As this process moves forward, Lanza is at the helm of what could be a significant scientific development, one that may be a game changer in terms of standard of care for treatment of disease---using one’s own body to treat the diseases that we are inflicted with.The Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy trial is a Phase 1/II trial designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the effect of subretinal injection of human embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epithelium cells in patients with Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy (SMD).The Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration Phase 1/11 trial, likewise a safety and tolerability trial to evaluate the effect of subretinal injection of human embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epithelium cells in patients with dry Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and to perform exploratory evaluation of potential efficacy endpoints to be used in future studies retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cellular therapy.Trial results should be available in the upcoming 12 month period after evaluation and dissemination by the FDA. Dr. Robert Lanza and his team work out of ACT’s principal laboratory and GMP facility in Marlborough, Massachusetts.For recent information on Robert Lanza visit:Robert Lanza Academic PressRobert Lanza Interview By Deepak Chopra