Skip to main content
Wholesale Pricing for Licensed Professionals

Specialty Rx · Gene and Cell Therapy

Ocular Gene and Cell Therapy Luxturna and Encelto.

Two FDA-approved therapies deliver genetic or cell-based treatment inside the eye, given by retina surgeons in specialized centers.

Retina surgeon operating at a surgical microscope with an assistant in a bright operating room
2017Luxturna approved, December 19
2025Encelto approved for MacTel type 2
52% vs 10%Luxturna patients improving 2 or more MLMT levels
1 implantper eye for Encelto

Two approaches

Replacing a gene, or delivering a protein

Comprehensive ophthalmologists and optometrists are often the first to suspect these conditions and to coordinate genetic testing and referral. Luxturna delivers a working copy of the RPE65 gene to retinal cells. Encelto is an encapsulated cell implant that releases ciliary neurotrophic factor inside the eye.

Luxturna

Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl, Spark Therapeutics, for confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy.

FDA

Encelto

Revakinagene taroretcel-lwey, Neurotech, for adults with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2.

Label

Genetic testing first

Luxturna requires a confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation, so testing comes before referral for treatment.

FDA

Specialist delivery

Luxturna is a subretinal injection after vitrectomy; Encelto is surgically implanted in the vitreous.

Label

Dosing and safety

Both are one-time procedures per eye, with surgical follow-up.

  • Confirm the diagnosis
  • Refer to a treating center
  • Co-manage follow-up
  • Luxturna dose

    1.5 x 10^11 vector genomes in 0.3 mL by subretinal injection; eyes treated at least 6 days apart; not for infants under 12 months.

  • Luxturna reactions

    Conjunctival hyperemia 22%, cataract 20% and increased intraocular pressure 15% were among the most common.

  • Encelto implant

    One intravitreal implant per eye. Delayed dark adaptation was reported in 23%.

  • Encelto results

    In Study 1, ellipsoid-zone loss was 0.075 mm² with Encelto versus 0.166 mm² with sham.

Care paths

Every path for inherited retinal disease and MacTel

Not every patient is a candidate for gene or cell therapy. Vision Rescue does not rank these paths; the treating doctor and the patient choose.

Monitoring

Regular exams and multimodal imaging to follow the condition.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists

Genetic testing

Testing and counseling to confirm the diagnosis and eligibility.

Eye care providers, retina specialists or genetic counselors

Gene therapy

A one-time subretinal injection for confirmed biallelic RPE65 retinal dystrophy.

Retina surgeons at treating centers

Cell therapy implant

An intravitreal implant for adults with MacTel type 2.

Retina surgeons at treating centers

Low vision support

Low vision care for daily tasks at any stage.

Optometrists, ophthalmologists and low vision services

The referring doctor's role

Recognize, test, refer

These are rare conditions, so a structured path matters.

Recognize

Night blindness and reduced fields in a child or young adult, or characteristic macular changes in middle age.

Test

Order or refer for genetic testing and multimodal imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

Refer

Coordinate with an inherited retinal disease or retina specialist, and support low vision needs.

Product details

Luxturna
Generic name Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl
Company Spark Therapeutics
Approved December 19, 2017
Indication Confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy
Primary outcome MLMT change of 2 or more: 52% vs 10%
Encelto
Generic name Revakinagene taroretcel-lwey
Company Neurotech
Approved 2025
Indication Adults with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2
Common reaction Delayed dark adaptation 23%

Questions about ocular gene and cell therapy

Can optometrists or general ophthalmologists give these treatments?

No. Both are surgical procedures performed by retina specialists at treating centers.

Who qualifies for Luxturna?

Patients with confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy and sufficient viable retinal cells, as determined by the treating physician.

What does Encelto treat?

Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 in adults.

How is Luxturna given?

As a subretinal injection, with each eye treated on a separate day at least 6 days apart.

What are common side effects of Luxturna?

Conjunctival hyperemia, cataract and increased eye pressure were among the most common.

Where can patients get genetic testing?

Through their eye care provider, a retina specialist or a genetic counselor; programs vary by condition.

References

  • U.S. FDA. LUXTURNA (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl). FDA
  • ENCELTO (revakinagene taroretcel-lwey) Prescribing Information. Label
  • Neurotech. FDA approval of ENCELTO for MacTel type 2. Neurotech

Be the first to recognize it

Know the signs of inherited retinal disease and MacTel, and the path to genetic testing and referral, in optometry and ophthalmology practices alike.

Stay current: Latest eye care industry news

Luxturna and Encelto are trademarks of their owners. Written for licensed eye care professionals. These therapies are administered only by qualified specialists. Review the full Prescribing Information.