Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of photoreceptor cells and photoreceptor progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells. Additionally provided are compositions of photoreceptor cells and photoreceptor cells, as well as methods for the therapeutic use thereof. Exemplary methods may produce substantially pure cultures of photoreceptor cells and/or photoreceptor cells.

Abstract: Methods for production of platelets from pluripotent stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are provided. These methods may be performed without forming embryoid bodies or clusters of pluripotent stem cells, and may be performed without the use of stromal inducer cells. Additionally, the yield and/or purity can be greater than has been reported for prior methods of producing platelets from pluripotent stem cells. Also provided are compositions and pharmaceutical preparations comprising platelets, preferably produced from pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating and preventing loss of tissue vascularization that can occur, for example, upon aging.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating and preventing loss of tissue vascularization that can occur, for example, upon aging.

Abstract: Implantable devices that include a source of a therapeutic substance and a capture agent are disclosed.

Abstract: A device that includes a living cell or tissue and an agent that inhibits the ability of a host molecule to damage the cell or tissue. The device can be constructed in various forms including an implantable device, a composite microreactor and a double composite microreactor. The composite microreactor includes an internal particle that includes a living cell or tissue, an internal particle matrix that includes the living cell or tissue and an internal semipermeable coating enclosing the internal particle matrix, a gel super matrix in which the internal particle is embedded, and an agent that inhibits the ability of a host molecule to damage the cell or tissue. The double composite microreactor includes an internal particle, a particle that includes a particle matrix in which the internal particle is embedded, a super matrix in which the particle is embedded, and an agent that inhibits the ability of a host molecule to damage the living cell or tissue.

Abstract: Microcapsules and composite microreactors are prepared that immunoisolate living cells such as islet cells or genetically engineered cells. A reduced volume microcapsule is formed by coating a gel matrix particle with a polyamino acid of 15,000 daltons or less molecular weight to reduce volume of the particle by at least 30% as compared to volume prior to coating. A composite microreactor includes the microcapsule containing cell embedded in a gel matrix and provides a molecular weight cutoff that prevents molecules larger than about 400,000 daltons from containing the living cell. A double composite microreactor includes an internal particle that includes an internal particle gel matrix containing a living cell and having a coating, a particle that includes the internal particle embedded in a particle gel matrix and a coating, and a gel super matrix in which the particle is embedded. At least one of the coatings is a volume reducing coating of polyamino acid of 15,000 daltons or less molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention covers a method of implanting a living donor cell into a host animal without inflammatory response or rejection of the donor cell by the host animal, by obtaining an uncoated particle of a biocompatible, temperature-independent gel that encapsulates the living donor cell, wherein the uncoated particle provides a molecular weight cutoff that prevents host animal immune cells from entering the particle, yet does not have to prevent entry of host animal IgG and complement into the particle, and implanting the uncoated particle into the host animal.

Abstract: Methods for inhibition of fibrotic rejection of implanted devices which contain cells by administering to the recipient of the devices an amount of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) sufficient to inhibit fibrotic inactivation of the device. Most NSAID's are carboxylic acids (R--COOH) or enolic acids (R--COH).

Abstract: The invention covers a method of implanting a living donor cell into a host animal without inflammatory response or rejection of the donor cell by the host animal, by obtaining an uncoated particle of a biocompatible, temperature-independent gel that encapsulates the living donor cell, wherein the uncoated particle provides a molecular weight cutoff that prevents host animal immune cells from entering the particle, yet does not have to prevent entry of host animal IgG and complement into the particle, and implanting the uncoated particle into the host animal.