# A Tissue Support Structure (Macular O-Rings) for Reconstructing, Translocating or Transplanting Three-Dimensional Submacular Tissue Organoids in Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

> **NIH NIH R41** · IMAC REGEN · 2020 · $93,429

## Abstract

1. Project Summary Abstract
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading form of irreversible blindness. iMacular Regeneration
LLC (iMac Regen) will introduce a novel tissue support structure (macular O-rings or MORs), made from a
biocompatible, implantable material (nitinol or nickel-titanium alloy). The surgical device (MOR) will be tested
both ex-vivo and in-vivo for proof of concept in this phase I STTR study. The device will support and protect
donor tissue, reconstruct the degenerating tissue in the submacular space, enable translocation of autographs,
and/or potentially transplant other three-dimensional tissue into the submacular space. This surgical device
represents a critical unmet need in the current approach for regenerative medicine that addresses macular
disease. Currently, many researchers are attempting to replace a portion of the damaged supporting tissues.
For example, some investigators are injecting dissociated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or sheets of RPE
monolayers alone or grown on synthetic substrates. Attempts to inject stem cells directly into the subretinal
space to replace or support existing RPE have been attempted with little success. The iMac Regen approach
is unique and serves as a platform technology for many forms of tissue or cellular transplantation into the
submacular space. MORs provide a biocompatible perimeter scaffold, much like a frame to support a painting.
Thus, the MORs facilitate surgical manipulation and minimize tissue injury for the delicate, three-dimensional,
choroid-Bruch's-RPE (CBR) tissue transplants used in translocation surgery. Our current proposal is to test a
new GMP (good manufacturing processes) device ex-vivo and ensure proper donor tissue engagement. Then,
we will translocate an autologous graft (a graft harvested from the same eye) in the live pig model. The
autologous graft eliminates the risk of immune-mediated graft rejection. Using this regenerative medicine
approach, the goal is to rescue damaged macular photoreceptors (MPRs) and restore their function before
MPRs are permanently lost to advanced forms of AMD. This novel surgical device is proposed for those at or
near the end-stages of either dry or wet AMD. The three-dimensional CBR graft represents an organoid that
has all the necessary cellular, membrane, and vascular components to provide the necessary blood flow,
nutritional, and visual cycle support required by the MPRs. Studies from Europe have shown that transplant
healthy CBR auto-graft tissue in humans inhibits abnormal angiogenesis wet AMD. The circumferential
configuration (frame) of our device allows support without directly interfering with the blood flow to the critical
central region of the tissue graft. Loss of function in AMD results from damaged CBR tissue and occurs at the
end-stages of both the wet and dry forms of AMD, thus leading to MPR death and blindness. The MORs are
made from nitinol, a biocompatible, non-magnetic, implantable structure t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10146210
- **Project number:** 3R41EY028803-01A1S1
- **Recipient organization:** IMAC REGEN
- **Principal Investigator:** TIMOTHY WAYNE OLSEN
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $93,429
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2020-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10146210

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10146210, A Tissue Support Structure (Macular O-Rings) for Reconstructing, Translocating or Transplanting Three-Dimensional Submacular Tissue Organoids in Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) (3R41EY028803-01A1S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10146210. Licensed CC0.

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