A Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa: The Patient's Perspective

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic disease that gradually destroys the light sensing nerve cells, called photoreceptors, located in the retina at the back of the eye. In this video, Rosalinda and German Barrero speak about the devastating impact of RP on their lives and their excitement about a soon to begin CIRM-funded stem cell-based clinical trial for the treatment of RP. See our fact sheet for more about CIRM-funded vision loss research: go.usa.gov/BRzw
Animated titles, courtesy of Ian Adair

[@oOdOdY75Oo]

I hope this comes to fruition .... I am 32 and have had RP for the past 10 years. It's such a struggle everyday to just get out of bed. I have 3 kids and want to see them all grow and get married... What eats me the most and not being able to fulfill the duties a proper father and husband should. I don't care for myself going blind for my own sake, no. I care for not being able to provide support for my 4 other family members. I'm still able to do something but it's not enough. I love them to death and would do anything to be able to see properly. I thank them and thank God that I have a supportive family whom without, I don't know what I would've done with my self. My wife is extremely supportive, thoughtfully and het kindness is second to none. It's amazing how people see cars and homes as luxuries and all I want is my vision back. Don't take anything for granted people and enjoy every day for what it is. Good luck everyone and I wish you all the best of health, wealth and happiness :)

[@CIRMTV]

Thanks for sharing your story. Here's the latest update on the RP clinical trial, it's received an accelerated path for review by the FDA: blog.cirm.ca.gov/2017/05/03/jcyte-gets-fda-go-ahead-for-fast-track-review-process-of-retinitis-pigmentosa-stem-cell-therapy/ Best wishes

[@CIRMTV]

You're very welcome. For details about when the trial will begin and eligibility, visit this page on jCyte's website: jcyte.com/clinical-trials/

[@kb4804]

Praying for him to be able to do something to help people with rp like my son

[@iammdeepak1]

what a beautiful girl. I wish she sees again.

[@laboyga]

how can i get this stem cell therapy? I have RP..

[@CIRMTV]

Hello - thanks for reaching to us. UC Irvine professor Henry Klassen expects to start the clinical trial mentionged in this video early this year. We suggest contacting him directly for more information. To find his contact information Google Henry Klassen UC Irvine. The companion video to this one is a seminar by Dr. Klassen in which he describes the clinical trial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqrWq613eJV2iZo If you like, you can also sign up to receive press releases and a monthly newsletter from us to stay up to date on any developments with that trial: www.cirm.ca.gov/about-cirm/newsletter-signup For general info on stem cell treatments, the International Society for Stem Cell Research, the world’s leading stem cell research organization, provides some educational information for patients. The “what to ask” section identifies questions any patient should ask a clinic before considering treatment. The link is:www.closerlookatstemcells.org Kind regards, CIRM

[@lucabrazi36]

+California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Hello, I have a dear friend that has RP. I would like to help him in signing him up to one of these clinical trials. Can you steer me into the right direction. Thanks!!