OpRegen is an investigational subretinal cell therapy for geographic atrophy in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It delivers a suspension of healthy retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells — grown from stem cells — underneath the retina, with the goal of replacing the RPE layer that dies away in dry AMD and slowing the spread of atrophy. As of 2026 OpRegen remains in clinical development and is not yet an approved or routinely available treatment in the UK. It cannot currently be bought privately. What you can do now is have an expert dry AMD assessment, start an approved geographic-atrophy treatment where suitable, and get honest guidance on whether a clinical trial may be an option for you.
What is OpRegen and how is it meant to work?
In dry AMD, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) — a single layer of support cells beneath the light-sensing retina — gradually fails. As RPE cells die, the overlying photoreceptors lose their support and die too, creating expanding patches of “geographic atrophy” that erode central vision. Existing approved therapies aim only to slow this loss; none replace the cells already gone.
OpRegen takes a different, regenerative approach. Healthy RPE cells are manufactured from stem cells and delivered as a suspension into the subretinal space during surgery. The hope is that these transplanted cells integrate and take over the support role of the lost RPE, preserving photoreceptors and stabilising — potentially even improving — vision in treated areas. Early-phase studies have explored safety and signs of RPE integration, but larger trials are needed to prove benefit.
Who is geographic atrophy treatment for?
- People with dry AMD that has progressed to, or is approaching, geographic atrophy
- Those who want a clear, expert picture of how advanced their dry AMD is on OCT scanning
- Patients interested in approved GA-slowing treatments available privately today
- People who want honest guidance on emerging therapies and clinical-trial eligibility
Worried about dry AMD progressing? A medical-retina assessment with OCT scanning stages your AMD and identifies the treatments you can start now.
Book a dry AMD assessmentWhat you can access now
While OpRegen develops, several approved or established options can help slow geographic atrophy or protect remaining vision. Your retinal specialist will explain which apply to you.
Compare the approved injection options including Izervay for geographic atrophy, and read our overview of wet vs dry AMD treatment options for 2026.
How subretinal cell delivery works
OpRegen-type cell therapy is delivered surgically in a hospital theatre, not as a simple clinic injection. In trial settings the procedure has typically involved:
- A vitrectomy — keyhole removal of the gel inside the eye to give controlled access to the retina.
- Creation of a small, deliberate retinal detachment using fluid, opening the subretinal space.
- Injection of the RPE cell suspension through a fine cannula into the space beneath the macula.
- Settling of the retina back into place, with the transplanted cells positioned where the native RPE has been lost.
- A period of immune monitoring and intensive follow-up imaging to track cell integration and safety.
This is technically demanding vitreoretinal surgery and, for OpRegen specifically, is currently only performed within approved clinical studies.
What to expect
Because OpRegen is investigational, there is no standard private recovery pathway yet. The points below describe the general course of the approved care you can start now and the trial journey for emerging cell therapy.
Assessment
A medical-retina consultation with OCT and macular imaging stages your dry AMD and confirms whether you have geographic atrophy.
Approved treatment
Where suitable, complement-inhibitor injections or photobiomodulation can begin to slow atrophy and are reviewed regularly.
Trial pathway
If you wish to explore cell therapy, your specialist explains current trial activity, eligibility criteria and referral routes honestly.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular OCT scans track the rate of atrophy and protect your remaining central and reading vision over the long term.
Cost & access
OpRegen is not yet approved and cannot be purchased privately in the UK — we will never sell an unproven therapy. What we offer is expert assessment and the approved treatments available today.
- Dry AMD assessment: from £250, including consultant review and OCT scan.
- Approved GA injections: self-pay from around £1,800–£2,500 per injection depending on the drug — see our Syfovre and Izervay pages.
- Clinical trials: participation in approved studies is generally provided at no charge to eligible patients.
Learn more about the condition at dry AMD explained and macular degeneration, or see the full dry AMD treatment overview.