Supplementary appendix This appendix formed part of the original submission and has been peer reviewed. We post it as supplied by the authors. Supplement to: Schwartz SD, Regillo CD, Lam BL, et al. Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium in patients with age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s macular dystrophy: follow-up of two open-label phase 1/2 studies. Lancet 2014; published online Oct 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61376-3.
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Mmc1 2 The Lancet - Supplementary appendix 10/15/2014
This appendix formed part of the original submission and has been peer reviewed. We post it as supplied by the authors. Supplement to: Schwartz SD, Regillo CD, Lam BL, et al. Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium in patients with age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s macular dystrophy: follow-up of two open-label phase 1/2 studies. Lancet 2014; published online Oct 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61376-3.
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Supplementary appendixThis appendix formed part of the original submission and has been peer reviewed. We post it as supplied by the authors.
Supplement to: Schwartz SD, Regillo CD, Lam BL, et al. Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium in patients with age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt’s macular dystrophy: follow-up of two open-label phase 1/2 studies. Lancet 2014; published online Oct 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61376-3.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
Supplementary Table 1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Detailed Methods
The hESC and hESC-derived RPE were generated as described (1). Briefly, vials of hESC-MA09
were thawed and expanded on mitotically-inactivated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) using
current Good Manufacturing Practices. Since the hESCs were co-cultured with animal cells, the
differentiated derivatives are classified as a xenotransplantation product and subject to FDA
guidelines for donor animal and product processing, testing, and archiving, as well as patient,
monitoring and registration. After hESC expansion, the cells were sequentially induced to form
embryoid bodies followed by cellular outgrowth and localized differentiation into pigmented RPE
patches (2). The pigmented patches were isolated with collagenase, and after purification and
trypsinization, the dissociated cells were seeded, grown to confluence, and induced to redifferentiate
for a total of three serial passages (P0, P1, P2)(1). Passage 2 hESC-RPE were cryopreserved and
served as the starting material for formulating cells for clinical use.
The hESC-RPE cells were assessed for safety and characterized for a number of RPE-specific
attributes at various times, including in-process testing and testing performed after thaw and final
product formulation. Safety assessment for pathogens, karyotyping, DNA fingerprinting,
immunohistochemical staining, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed as
described (19). Assessment of purity and the extent of differentiation were based on the percentage
of bestrophin, Pax6, ZO-1 and/or MITF stained cells. Screening to confirm the absence of
pluripotency markers was performed by staining for OCT-4 and Alkaline Phosphatase.
Phagocytosis (potency assay) was assessed by quantitative fluorescence activated cell sorting
(FACS) analysis of hESC-derived RPE cultures exposed to PhRodoTM
(Invitrogen) fluorescent
bioparticles. Quantitative reverse transcription (q-RT) PCR assays were performed to confirm up-
regulation of RPE-specific genes (RPE-65, PAX-6, MITF, bestrophin) and down-regulation of
hESC-specific genes (OCT-4, NANOG, SOX-2).
On the day of transplantation, vials were thawed, formulated, and assessed for suitable viability and
the absence of microbial contaminants by Gram staining prior to delivering to the operating room
(1). Pars plana vitrectomy including surgical induction of posterior vitreous separation from the
optic nerve to the posterior border of the vitreous base was carried out. A volume of 150uL of
reconstituted RPE was injected through a MedOne PolyTip® Cannula 23/38 or 25/38 delivering the
targeted dose of viable RPE cells into the subretinal space in sites centered over a “transition zone”
(the area between atrophic photoreceptor/RPE/choriocapillaris and relatively healthy post-equatorial
retina) as assessed with AF and OCT imaging. Transplantation sites were chosen carefully based
on the presence of native, albeit compromised, RPE and similarly compromised overlying
photoreceptors, to optimize the chances of transplant integration and potential for photoreceptor cell
rescue.
The systemic immunosuppression regimen included low-dose tacrolimus (target blood levels 3-7
ng/mL) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF ranging 0.5g - 2g orally/day) one week prior to the
surgical procedure and continued for a period of 6 weeks. At week 6, the regimen called for
discontinuation of tacrolimus and a continuation of the MMF for an additional six weeks or longer
(at the discretion of the investigator). Two patients (1 AMD, 1 SMD) had tacrolimus and MMF
discontinued after 12 to 15 days of administration due to adverse events. A second AMD patient
could not tolerate MMF, which was discontinued on day 50, and the tacrolimus continued until
week 12. One investigator electively continued the MMF for 47 to 55 weeks for 6 patients and >66
weeks for 1 patient (3 AMD, 4 SMD). Per protocol, local steroid drops were withheld until
postoperative day 4.
Transplanted patients were followed by serial ophthalmic examinations including best-corrected
coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence imaging and electroretinography.
Systemic monitoring included cancer screening, hematologic and serologic testing as part of both
the immunosuppression protocols and safety studies. Visual acuity was assessed as the number of
correct letters read with the subject turning his or her head to obtain the best score. A visual acuity
score of 0 letters (20/2000) was assigned to Count Fingers and a score of -50 letters (20/20,000) was
assigned to Hand Motion (3).
References
1. Schwartz SD, Hubschman JP, Heilwell G, et al. Embryonic stem cell trials for macular
degeneration: a preliminary report. The Lancet 2012; 379:713-20.
2. Lu B, Malcuit C, Wang S, et al. Long-term safety and function of RPE from human
embryonic stem cells in preclinical models of macular degeneration. Stem Cells 2009; 21,
2125-2135.
3. This is based on the assumption that fingers are approximately the size of the elements of a
200 letter. The value is conservative because the contrast is lower for count fingers than for
the ETDRS chart. The value for hand motion is based on low vision studies showing hand
motion is ten times worse than count fingers (i.e., detection of hand motion at 20 feet has
approximately 20/20,000 Snellen visual acuity equivalent (Holladay, J.T. Proper Method
for Calculating Average Visual Acuity. Journal of Refractive Surgery 1997; 13: 388-
391). Light perception is not a visual acuity measurement, but rather the detection of a
stimulus. Light perception assessments were excluded from the analysis and instead the last
observation was carried forward.
4. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group. Photocoagulation for diabetic
macular edema: Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study report number 1. Arch
Opthalmol. 1985;103:1796-1806.
Supplementary Table 2. Duration of immunosuppression
Duration of Administration
Comments
(Weeks)
Indication Site ID
Subject ID
Dose Group MMF Tacrolimus
AMD
JSEI 201
50,000
7.1 12
Could not tolerate MMF; related adverse events of shortness of breath (severe), fatigue (moderate), diarrhea (moderate) and stomach ache (severe)
JSEI 202 50,000 52.9 5.6
JSEI 203 50,000 52.3 8
Wills 204 100,000 12.9 7
MEEI 205 100,000
JSEI 206 100,000 2.1 1.6 Stopped due to adverse event - UTI
JSEI 207 150,000 46.9+ 5.7 MMF ongoing
MEEI 208 150,000
BP 209 150,000
SMD JSEI 101 50,000 54.4 7.3
JSEI 102 50,000 52.3 7.3
JSEI 103 50,000 53.3 7.3
Wills 104 100,000 12.9 6.9
Wills 105 100,000 13.9 5.7
JSEI 106 100,000 66.1+ 7.1 MMF ongoing
BP 107 150,000 8
Wills 108 150,000 1.7 1.7 Stopped due to endopthalmitis
BP 109 150,000
Supplementary Table 3. Summary of all adverse events by time of onset
System Organ Classification/ Adverse Event Term
SMD AMD
Time of Onset Time of Onset
<6 Months
≥6 Months
<6 Months ≥6
Months
N=9 N=8 N=9 N=8
n n n n
With Any Event 8 4 9 3
Cardiovascular Disorders
1 1 2 0
Edema Peripheral
1
Hypertension 1
Irregular Heart Rate 1
1
Eye Disorders 6 2 7 1
Anterior Surface Pigment 1
Blurry Vision 1
Cataract 2 1 1
Charles Bonnet Syndrome 1
Conjunctival Hemorrhage
2
Corneal Abrasion
1
Dry Eye 1 1
Epiretinal Membrane 1
Eye Dilated 1
Eye Pain 2 2
Eye Watery 1 1
Floaters 2 2
Foreign Body Sensation
2
Hyperemia 1
Inferior Folds 1
Posterior Vitreal Detachment 1
Ptosis 1 1
Retinal Vascular Leakage 1
Suconjunctival Hemorrhage @ Injection Site 1
Suture Granuloma 1
Vitreous Strand 1
General Disorders 2 1 6
1
Anxiety 1
Chest Pain 1 1
Decreased Appetite
2
Dizziness 1 2
Ear Wax 1
Fatigue 1
Hair Loss 1
Stiffness 1
Sweating 1
Tooth Ache 1
Weakness 2
Gastrointestinal Disorders 4 2 6
2
Appetite decreased
2
Blockage of Salivary Duct 1
Constipation 1 2 1
Diarrhea 3 2
Dry Mouth 1 1
Gas 1
Gum Pain 1
Hemorrhoids 1
Nausea 1 3
Stomach Pain 1 1
Vomiting 1 1
Infections 4 1 4 2
Bronchitis 1 1
Endophthalmitis 1
Fever 1
Shingles 1
Sinus Infection 1 1
Sore Throat 2
Thrush 2
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
2
Urinary Tract Infection 1
2 1
Injury 0 0 2 0
Broken hip 1
Shin Injury 1
Investigations 1 0 1 0
Increased Intraocular Pressure 1 1
Musculoskeletal Disorders 1 2 3 0
Chest Wall Pain 1
Knee Pain 1
Lower Back Pain 1
Muscle Cramp 1
Osteoarthritis 1
Shoulder Pain 1
Torn Gelnoid Labrum
1
Neoplasms 0 0 3 1
Basal Cell Carcinoma 1
Cyst 1
Squamous Cell Carcinoma 1
Nervous System Disorders
4 0 4 1
Headache 2 1
Hemiparesis 1
Insomnia 2 1
Syncope 1
Tremor 1
Psychiatric Disorders 1 0 2 1
Altered Mental Status
1
1
Confusion 1
Depressed Mood
1
Respiratory Disorders 3 0 2
1
Allergic Rhinitis 1
Basilar Crackles 1
Hoarseness 1
Nasal Polyps 1
Shortness of Breath 1
Sinus Congestion
2
Sinus Problems 1
Basilar Crackles
Skin Disorders 0 0 2 0
Dry Skin 1
Hyperpigmented Cheeks Bilateral 1
Spots on Scalp/Face 1
Supplementary Table 4. Serious adverse events
System Organ Classification/ Serious Adverse Event Term
SMD AMD
N=9 N=9
n n
With Any Serious Adverse Event 2 4
General Disorders 1 0
Chest Pain 1
Infections 1 1
Endophthalmitis 1
Urinary Tract Infection 1
Injury 0 1
Femoral Neck Fracture 1
Neoplasms 0 1
Basal Cell Carcinoma 1
Squamous Cell Carcinoma 1
Nervous System Disorders 0 2
Hemiparesis 1
Syncope
1
Psychiatric Disorders 1
Mental Status Change 1
Supplementary Table 5. Systemic AEs Likely Related to
Immunossuppression
SMD AMD N=9 N=9
System Organ Classification/ Adverse Event Term n n Cardiovascular 1 0 Heart Palpitation 1 Central Nervous System 8 7 Altered Mental Status Secondary to UTI 1 Headache 3 3 Mental Fogginess 2 Confusion 1
Dizziness Post-Anesthesia w/ Blood Pressure Drop 1