Award-winning scientist shares insights on retinal organoid research
Dr Owen Jones, recipient of the 2024 ISSCR Travel Grant supported by Amsbio, refl ects on his work developing human stem cell–derived retinal organoids and their growing role in understanding and treating retinal disease.
L-R: Dr Owen Jones with Dr Alex Sim from Amsbio at ISSCR.
Millions of people worldwide live with retinal disorders, many of which remain untreatable and severely impact quality of life. Traditional models, from animal studies to 2D cell cultures, often fall short in replicating the complexity of the human retina. Retinal organoids — 3D mini-retinas grown from human stem cells — are helping to bridge that gap. By capturing the intricate multicellular architecture of retinal tissue, these organoids faithfully mirror key stages of human retinal development, making them a powerful
platform for studying disease mechanisms.
In his guest blog, Dr Jones highlights how retinal organoids are accelerating research into new therapies. From modelling inherited retinal diseases to testing potential treatments, these lab-grown tissues provide a biologically relevant, human-specifi c system that could pave the way for next-generation cell replacement therapies. Their ability to replicate the human retina in miniature also opens opportunities for drug discovery and precision medicine, offering hope to patients affected by sight loss.
Refl ecting on his own research journey, Dr Jones notes that advances in retinal organoid technology are not only expanding the toolkit for scientists but also providing a glimpse
Retinal organoids illustration.
into the future of regenerative medicine. With continued innovation, stem cell–derived organoids may one day help restore vision for those living with retinal degeneration.
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Acquisition expands scientific informatics for research workflows
Revvity, Inc is set to acquire ACD/Labs, a global leader in scientifi c software, in a move that strengthens Revvity Signals’ footprint across research, development, and manufacturing workfl ows. The deal, expected to close in Q4 2025, brings together two innovators in analytical science and molecular design.
ACD/Labs’ portfolio includes tools for spectral analysis (Spectrus®), AI-driven molecular property prediction (Percepta®), high-throughput experimentation (Katalyst D2D®), and enterprise data management (ADMS).
Integrating these capabilities into Revvity Signals will allow scientists to bridge the gap between complex data and actionable insights, streamlining workflows from molecule discovery to manufacturing quality control.
“By combining our technologies, we’re creating a unifi ed SaaS environment that connects molecular design, analytical science, and manufacturing oversight,” said Kevin Willoe, President of Revvity Signals
New consortium to target universal PSC tests
A new industry consortium is tackling one of the biggest hurdles in bringing stem cell therapies to patients: ensuring residual pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are completely removed from fi nal products.
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) has launched ReCell, a 13-partner collaboration that brings together therapy developers, regulators including the MHRA, contract organisations, and academic specialists. The goal: to test whether two droplet digital PCR methods can reliably detect potentially dangerous undifferentiated PSCs across eight different therapy products, spanning neuronal, cardiac, and haematological cell lineages.
Software. “This gives scientists faster, more confi dent insight across the entire workfl ow.”
Daria Thorp, President and CEO of ACD/Labs, added: “Joining forces with Revvity Signals unites two leaders in scientifi c software. Together, we’ll expand the reach of our technology and deliver end-to-end solutions that empower researchers with deeper insight and continuity.”
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Currently, developers must create bespoke safety tests for each therapy — a time- consuming and costly process that can delay patient access. ReCell aims to standardise testing, potentially saving months in development timelines while ensuring patient safety.
Matthew Durdy, CEO of CGT Catapult, said: “Universal tests for residual PSCs could speed up the development of safe, effective cell therapies. By working with regulators, therapy developers, and testing experts, we hope to show how such tests can reduce costs and shorten timelines.”
Wistar Institute CEO to step down after 11 years Send your news to:
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The initiative also involves two testing approaches: one developed by CGT Catapult with the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI), and SistemPSCcheck™, a commercially available solution from Sistemic. Together, they will be evaluated for consistency and applicability across multiple therapy types.
The Wistar Institute, a leader in cancer, immunology, and infectious disease research, has announced that Dario C. Altieri, M.D., will step down as president and CEO in December 2026. The Board of Trustees will conduct a national search to identify his successor.
Dr Dario Altieri. Credit: The Wistar Institute
Dr Altieri joined Wistar in 2010 as Director of its National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and Chief Scientifi c Offi cer and became President and CEO in 2015. Over more than a decade at the helm, he has overseen dramatic growth, guiding the Institute’s annual budget past $100 million, tripling its endowment to $277 million, and expanding the
scientifi c staff from 30 to 41 independent labs. Under his leadership, Wistar’s Cancer Center earned the NCI’s ‘Exceptional’ rating three times and launched new research hubs in advanced therapeutics and HIV/viral diseases.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the brilliant scientists and staff at Wistar,” said Dr Altieri. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to focusing on research, teaching, and mentoring in the years ahead.”
A native of Milan, Italy, Dr Altieri has authored more than 260 publications and holds 13 patents. Before joining Wistar, he was
Matthew Durdy. Credit: Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Lawrence Tallon, CEO of the MHRA, added: “A universal safety test gives innovators and regulators confi dence, cuts duplication, and helps patients access promising therapies sooner, while keeping safety at the centre.”
Jim Reid, CEO of Sistemic Ltd, said: “Cell therapies hold huge potential, but standardisation is essential. Being part of this consortium allows us to help establish a universal test and support the development of safe PSC-based therapies.”
The consortium includes Advent Bioservices, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Cellistic, Curileum Discovery, the MHRA, Plasticell, Rinri Therapeutics, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Sistemic, SmartCella, StemSight, the University of Nottingham, and Xellera Therapeutics.
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founding chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at UMass Memorial Cancer Center.
Rick Horowitz, Chair of Wistar’s Board of Trustees, added: “Dario’s visionary leadership has positioned Wistar for continued growth and success.
We are grateful for his dedication and look forward to his support during this leadership transition.”
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