Neurotech’s Implant for Macular Telangiectasia Shows Promise

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals has announced positive phase 3 topline results from two trials evaluating its NT-501 eye implant for patients with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), which makes the results the first to show preservation of photoreceptors with a novel ophthalmic neuroprotectant therapy, according to the company.

Neurotech said the implant reduced the progression of disease by 56.4 percent in the first trial and by 29.2 percent in the second.

The NT-501 implant was demonstrated to be safe, durable and well tolerated in both trials, the company said.

Designed to be implanted into the vitreous cavity of the eye, the investigational device is a tiny hollow cylindrical membrane that houses human epithelial cells genetically engineered to continuously produce ciliary neurotropic factor, a protein that slows the progression of MacTel.