Intravitreal quantum dots for retinitis pigmentosa: a first-in-human safety study.

Background

Studies indicate that electrical stimulation of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) retina is beneficial. Quantum dots (QDs) can convert light to electrical stimulus and therefore may have therapeutic potential for RP.

Methods

This was an open-label, fellow eye-controlled, first-in-human safety study. Five adults with end-stage (arm A) and 15 with severe (arm B) RP received one or two intravitreal injections of 0.2 or 2μM cadmium/selenium 655 Alt QDs.

Results

No adverse events were attributed to QDs. In arm A, median best corrected visual acuity was unchanged. In arm B, mean best corrected visual acuity improved from 6/398 to 6/177, versus 6/147 to 6/144 in the fellow eye.

Conclusion

Intravitreal QDs can be safely administered to patients with RP. Vision appears to benefit and further validating studies are justified.