Retinal Regeneration in Japan
What is Retinal Regeneration?
Retinal regeneration is a groundbreaking approach to restoring vision by using advanced cell therapies to repair or replace damaged parts of the retina. The retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) and other supporting cells (e.g., retinal pigment epithelium, RPE) that are essential for our vision. The goal of retinal regeneration is to restore these cells, offering new hope for conditions previously considered untreatable.
Who is a Candidate for Retinal Regeneration?
Candidates for retinal regeneration therapies are typically individuals with severe retinal diseases that have led to irreversible vision loss. These include:
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Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Specifically, the advanced dry form of AMD, known as geographic atrophy, where RPE and photoreceptor cells have been lost.
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Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs): Conditions like Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt disease, and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), which are caused by genetic variants that lead to the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors.
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Other Conditions: Patients with conditions where retinal cell damage is the primary cause of vision loss may also be candidates.
Eligibility for these advanced therapies is determined by a thorough medical evaluation, including genetic analysis and advanced retinal imaging.
Japan's Leadership
Japan has firmly established itself as a global leader in the field of retinal regeneration, primarily due to its pioneering role in iPS cell therapy.
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Pioneering iPS Cell Therapy
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Japan is the birthplace of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology, a breakthrough that earned Professor Shinya Yamanaka the Nobel Prize. These revolutionary cells, created by reprogramming adult cells, can be differentiated into almost any cell type—including the specific retinal cells needed to restore vision. This technology has paved the way for therapies that can directly address the root cause of retinal degeneration.
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A Pathway to Clinical Application
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Led by pioneers like Dr. Masayo Takahashi, Japan has been at the forefront of translating this research into clinical practice. The country has conducted some of the world’s first clinical trials using iPS cell-derived retinal cells to treat AMD and other conditions. This unique clinical expertise and commitment to innovation make Japan a global leader in bringing these life-changing therapies to patients.
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Eligibility Determination Processes
Due to the complexity of retinal regeneration, a comprehensive assessment is crucial to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate.
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Genetic Diagnosis
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For inherited retinal diseases, a precise genetic diagnosis is the first step. This involves genetic testing to identify the specific gene variant responsible for the condition. This information is vital for understanding prognosis and determining eligibility for gene-specific therapies, including gene therapy and iPS cell-based treatments.
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Expert Review
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A team of experts will meticulously review all medical records and diagnostic images to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease. This is a crucial step for assessing eligibility.
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Read Invited Expert Articles
Kobe iClinic
Dr. Akiko Maeda, MD, PhD
Our Medical Concierge Services
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What to Expect from Our Services
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We are your dedicated partner throughout your eligibility determination for retinal regeneration in Japan. Our physician-led team ensures every step is guided by expert medical understanding, from your initial consultation to destination choice.
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Service Flow
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Initial Review: Start by completing our secure inquiry form on this page. Tell us about your situation and what you seek from our expert doctors.
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Expert Match: Based on your condition and preferences, our physician-led team will precisely match you with ophthalmology experts from our exclusive network across Japan.
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Personalized Referrals: We'll propose suitable medical institutions for your treatment in Japan. Our goal is to connect you with the ideal specialist and facility, opening the door for you to experience professional Japanese ophthalmology.
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Service Fees
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Email Consultation for Expert Match and Personalized Referrals: Free of Charge
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