In fact, the therapeutic potential of a cell-based delivery of CNTF is currently being explored in human patients with retinitis pigmentosa or geographic atrophy [28] using intravitreal implants of a genetically modified and encapsulated human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line, indicating the potential relevance of cell-based neuroprotective approaches for clinical applications. The gene discussed is CNTF; the disease is atrophic macular degeneration.