Neurotech Pharmaceuticals announced that, for the first time outside a clinical trial, a patient with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) has been treated with Encelto (revakinagene taroretcel-lwey ocular implant).

“This is a huge milestone for people living with MacTel,” said Richard Small, chief executive officer of Neurotech. “We have been working toward this for years, and seeing it become a reality is incredibly exciting for the Neurotech team and, most importantly, for the patients who may benefit.”

Charles C. Wykoff, MD, of Retinal Consultants of Texas, performed the 1-time surgical procedure, which involves implanting a capsule that delivers therapeutic proteins over time. Encelto, an encapsulated cell-based therapy, is designed to slow photoreceptor loss and help maintain visual function in patients with the progressive retinal disease.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved Encelto earlier this year as the first treatment for MacTel. RP