Abstract

This study reports five‑year outcomes from a London programme of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (hESC‑RPE) patch transplantation for haemorrhagic wet age‑related macular degeneration. Using a polarised RPE monolayer on a vitronectin‑coated polyester membrane and bespoke microsurgical delivery with intraoperative OCT, two patients with prior anti‑VEGF failure were followed for five years. Serial imaging documented local, contiguous pigment extension from the graft margins, preservation of graft thickness and no evidence of uncontrolled proliferation. Functional measures showed transient to sustained improvements in retinal sensitivity and fixation in one subject. The procedure met Phase I safety endpoints and indicates long‑term graft survival and potential for durable visual benefit, warranting expanded trials to confirm efficacy and optimise surgical and scaffold technologies.