First FDA-approved MacTel treatment available at the Byers Eye Institute

The Byers Eye Institute is proud to offer the only FDA-approved treatment for patients diagnosed with macular telangiectasia type 2, known as MacTel. Those diagnosed with the condition can make an appointment to learn more by calling (650) 723-6995. 

Though MacTel is rare, it is a serious eye disease that causes central vision loss, making things like reading and driving difficult or even impossible. Until now, there have been no treatment options to slow or halt the progression of the disease. This year, however, a new cell therapy called Encelto has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval following two 24-month Phase 3 clinical trials, which included patients at the  Byers Eye Institute at Stanford treated by Diana Do, MD, professor of ophthalmology and vice chair of clinical affairs. 

Do has worked with those diagnosed with MacTel for the last 15 years, and has seen firsthand how the disease can disrupt patients’ lives and livelihoods. That is why she was eager to be a part of the promising clinical trial that has ultimately become a cutting-edge cell therapy treatment option that can significantly slow the progression of the disease. 

“Patients can be such strong advocates for research and finding possible cures or treatments for vision threatening diseases,” Do said. “I’ve been inspired by my own patients and was excited to partner with them to make strides in finding a way to combat MacTel.” 

The newly approved treatment involves implanting a tiny, semi-permeable capsule into the eye, where it continuously delivers doses of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a natural protein that promotes cell survival and growth of many cell types in the body. In MacTel patients, the targeted protein delivery slowed the loss of photoreceptors in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for our central vision.

The first Encelto treatment outside of clinical trials was performed in August and is now available more broadly to MacTel patients, including at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford. The faculty at the Byers Eye Institute have the most experience with Encelto implants anywhere in the world, and can bring that experience to their patients.

Those interested in the Encelto treatment can make an appointment by calling or scheduling online to determine their eligibility. 

Encelto is developed and distributed by Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is a private biotech company that develops therapies for chronic eye diseases.