Retinal Progenitor Cells

Last medically reviewed: October 7, 2026

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Retinal progenitor cells are immature cells capable of developing into retinal cell types. They have been investigated in degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

Research is not treatment. The studies summarized below are investigational. They are presented for education only, do not show that any approach is safe or effective in patients, and are not a recommendation. Unless stated as FDA-approved, none of these approaches is approved for this condition. RUO materials are not for human use.

What researchers study

Whether progenitor cells delivered to the eye could support surviving photoreceptors or integrate into the retina.

EVIDENCE VERIFICATION REQUIRED. Specific studies have not yet been verified by our reviewers. Search the literature: PubMed search: retinal progenitor cells retinitis pigmentosa

Where the evidence stands

Clinical trials have investigated retinal progenitor cells; results should be reviewed directly in the published literature and trial registries. No approved product exists to our knowledge.

Regulatory status: to our knowledge as of our last review, no product in this category is FDA-approved to treat an eye disease. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products.

Answers

Related conditions

Retinitis Pigmentosa & Inherited Retinal Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

Are retinal progenitor cells approved?

Not to our knowledge. They have been studied in clinical trials.

Patients

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Professionals

Scientific education and research resources.

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References

Live searches (always current)

PubMed search: retinal progenitor cells retinitis pigmentosa — PubMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)