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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.07.27.740168

Encapsulated cell technology delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor to promote JAK/STAT-dependent photoreceptor survival in retinal degeneration

Iwama, Y.·Laughlin, L.·Harkins-Perry, S.·Giles, S.·Maeyama, A.·Traxler, K.·van Daelen, M.·Bonelli, R.·Nishida, K.·Friedlander, M.·Gantner, M. L.·Eade, K. T.
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Abstract

Sustained trophic factor delivery via Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) is a powerful new class of therapeutics with broad potential for targeted treatment. Intravitreal delivery of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) via the ECT, NT-501, is a first-in-class therapy that slows the progression of macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). Despite its clinical efficacy, key questions remain regarding its mechanism of action, including whether other implant-derived factors contribute to therapeutic benefit and how optimal dosing should be determined. Resolving these issues is critical for optimizing NT-501 in MacTel and guiding the development of ECT-based therapies for other diseases. We evaluated the biological activity of implant-derived cytokines on retinal tissue, using long-term NT-501 intravitreal implants in rabbits alongside human retinal organoid (hRO) models treated with NT-501-conditioned medium (NT-501-CM). Then, using a MacTel-specific photoreceptor degeneration model in hROs, we showed NT-501-CM significantly reduced photoreceptor cell death, and this protective effect was abolished by either CNTF-neutralizing antibodies or JAK inhibitor. We also established a therapeutic dose-response relationship linking NT-501-derived CNTF levels to JAK/STAT3 activation and photoreceptor protection. These findings directly connect ECT-derived CNTF exposure with JAK/STAT3-mediated photoreceptor protection in human retinal tissue and suggest an optimal concentration range for efficacy.

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Iwama, Y., Laughlin, L., Harkins-Perry, S., Giles, S., Maeyama, A., Traxler, K., van Daelen, M., Bonelli, R., Nishida, K., Friedlander, M., Gantner, M. L., Eade, K. T.. 2026-07-30. Encapsulated cell technology delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor to promote JAK/STAT-dependent photoreceptor survival in retinal degeneration. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.27.740168

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