Stem Cell Treatment for Septo-optic Dysplasia (SOD)

Unlocking stem cell therapy’s potential to improve vision and life for those with Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD).

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CELLAAX is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, research, development and commercialization of Regenerative Medicine.

Septo-optic dysplasia

Is Stem Cell Treatment for Septo-Optic Dysplasia Effective?

Since 2007, we have been developing comprehensive stem cell treatment protocols for Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies.

Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) – also known as de Morsier syndrome – is a subtype of Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) and results from underdevelopment of the optic nerve, pituitary gland dysfunction, and absence of the septum pellucidum, which is a midline area of the brain. SOD arises from defects during the embryological development of infants and studies show that ONH maybe be related to gene defects as well as embryo exposure to infections.

Read on to see if Septo-optic dysplasia Stem Cell Treatment might be right for your loved one.

Why our stem cell treatment is effective for SOD

Since 2007, we have been developing comprehensive stem cell treatment protocols for Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies. In our protocols, stem cells are combined with specialized therapies for SOD that not only focus on helping the patient to cope with their symptoms, but also treat the root cause of the condition by promoting the healing of the optic nerve and other affected brain structures. We believe that our comprehensive treatment approach for SOD gives our patients the best chances for vision improvement, allowing for a better quality of life.

Addressing Damage to the Optic Nerves in Septo-Optic Dysplasia

Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) is a rare congenital condition that involves underdevelopment of the optic nerves, often leading to significant vision impairment or blindness. The optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, can be underdeveloped or affected by various factors in SOD, contributing to the challenges patients face.

Potential Contributing Factors in SOD

While the exact causes of optic nerve hypoplasia in SOD are not always clear, it is often associated with disruptions during early brain and ocular development. Other general factors that can exacerbate or mimic optic nerve damage include:

  • Compressive Lesions: Growths near the optic nerve, such as pituitary tumors (often seen in SOD due to endocrine dysfunction), can put pressure on the nerve.

  • Hereditary or Congenital Conditions: Genetic mutations linked to optic nerve underdevelopment may play a role in SOD.

  • Inflammation or Trauma: Inflammation or perinatal injuries may contribute to optic nerve impairment in SOD patients.

  • Lifestyle and Environmental Influences: While lifestyle factors do not cause SOD itself, environmental influences during pregnancy could potentially impact fetal development, including the optic nerves.

Identifying Signs of Optic Nerve Damage in SOD

Emerging research into stem cell therapy offers a promising avenue for addressing optic nerve damage in conditions like Septo-Optic Dysplasia. Stem cells have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues and improve the function of underdeveloped optic nerves. Although still in experimental stages, advancements in stem cell treatment may revolutionize care for SOD patients, providing new hope for restoring vision and enhancing quality of life.

Identifying the Signs of Damage to the Optic Nerve

While the signs of optic nerve damage can differ, they frequently consist of:

  • flickering or flashing lights when the eyes are moved
  • persistent vision loss in one or both eyes
  • either gradual or abrupt loss of vision
  • Diminished peripheral vision
  • Pain within the eye, in the eye socket, or on the face (a common sign of optic neuritis)
  • reduced clarity of vision
  • Diminished ability to perceive color
  • unusual reactions of the students to light
  • Variations in the optic disc’s appearance

Stem cell therapy has the potential to significantly change the optic nerve damage treatment landscape and provide hope to those afflicted by this difficult condition as research and clinical trials progress.

Patient Outcome Data - OSD

The table below presents the results of a questionnaire completed by 101 patients who received stem cell treatment from Beike Cell Therapy for Septo-optic dysplasia. The survey aimed to assess patient satisfaction, evaluate the perceived effectiveness of the treatment, and identify potential areas for improvement.

The responses have been carefully organized to offer a detailed overview of the patients’ experiences and the outcomes of their treatment.

Data as of January 2025

% of Patients who noticed Improvement % of Patients who noticed a Small Improvement % of Patients who noticed a Moderate Improvement % of Patients who noticed a Large Improvement
Light perception 83% 27% 28% 27%
Ability to see hand movement 79% 43% 23% 13%
Visual field 76% 38% 27% 11%
Vision in right eye 74% 34% 25% 15%
Vision in left eye 73% 38% 22% 13%
Blindness 83% 35% 26% 22%
Ability to see things clearly 74% 32% 25% 18%
Ability to see things at a close distance 77% 37% 23% 18%
Colour vision 67% 34% 20% 13%
Ability to focus eyes quickly 75% 21% 31% 23%
Able to count fingers 74% 31% 26% 18%
Night vision 74% 31% 26% 18%
Ability to keep eyes focused for a long time 74% 31% 26% 18%
Pain in the eyes 74% 31% 26% 18%
Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movement) 74% 31% 26% 18%
Ability to see things at a far distance 74% 31% 26% 18%
Strabismus (side glances) 74% 31% 26% 18%
Droopy eye lids 74% 31% 26% 18%
Do you feel as though your stem cell treatment has improved the quality of life?
No20%
Yes, has slightly improved41%
Yes, has moderately improved18%
Yes, has significantly improved22%
% of patients with some level of positive result80%

Are you currently satisfied with the outcome of the treatment?
No6%
No comment12%
Somewhat satisfied30%
Yes51%
% of patients a positive level of satisfaction88%

Are you currently experiencing any improvements in your general physical condition?
No 18%
Yes, small improvements 45%
Yes, moderate improvements 23%
Yes, significant improvements 14%
% of Patients with ongoing improvements 81%
How Stem Cell Therapy Improves Symptoms of Retinal or Optic Nerve Disorders

Stem cells are “pluripotent,” meaning they can differentiate into all other cells due to their self-renewing abilities. They can develop into ectodermal (ex., skin, and some neurological structures), mesodermal (ex., bones, cartilage, and blood cells), or endodermal cells (ex., cells of internal body organs).

Therefore, injecting stem cells – from a donor – should theoretically allow them to differentiate and “replace” the damaged retina or optic nerve seen in different ophthalmological disorders. Stem cell therapy has provided new hope in curing or at least improving the sight-related symptoms associated with retinal or optic degeneration in order to provide patients with a better quality of life. Following the testing of stem cell treatment on people with retinal and/or optic nerve atrophy, in addition to their self-renewing abilities, stem cells have proven to have additional benefits other than tissue replacement.

  • Replacing and repairing the damaged optic cells: As mentioned, this is their original function; to replace the damaged tissue – i.e. retinal cells in case of retinal damage and optic neurons in case of optic nerve atrophy – through the conversion of one cell type to another.
  • Increasing the production of neurotrophic factors that promote nervous cell proliferation and differentiation (ex. glia derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)). These factors can locally enhance cellular recruitment, proliferation and maturation within the damaged or affected retinal/optic nerve neurons.
  • Modulating the immune system and the ongoing inflammatory process: Stem cells produce different antioxidants; thereby reducing the neurodestructive and atrophic process characterizing retinal degeneration and optic nerve atrophy.
  • Preventing cell death: Through releasing substances that can inhibit the process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of the damaged cells until they are adequately repaired by stem cells.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy in Optic Nerve Atrophy and Retinal Disorders

The purpose of our stem cell treatment for optic nerve hypoblasia/septo optic dysplasia is to restore neurological function in the brain area and in the optical nerve. Various kinds of improvement are possible after our comprehensive treatment. Past patients have experienced the following improvements*:

  • Sharpened visual acuity
  • Enlarged visual field
  • Reduced nystagmus
  • Improved hormonal deficiences
  • Enhanced light perception
  • Brighter night vision
  • Improved strabismus
  • Decreased autistic symptoms

 

*It is important to remember that as for any medical treatment, improvements cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us for more information regarding the possible improvements for a particular case.