British scientists are getting ready to roll out the world's second clinical trial of embryonic stem cells -- to cure blindness. With financial support from the drug giant Pfizer, researchers at the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London will useESC cells to cure age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness. With an ageing population, AMD could become a major problem. The treatment involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells. Results have been promising with rats and the researchers hope to begin human trials in two years. The leader of the research team, Professor Pete Coffey, said the treatment would take “less than an hour, so it really could be considered as an outpatient procedure. We are trying to get it out as a common therapy”.  The first clinical  trials ofESCs will take place this year in the US on patients with spinal cord injuries. ~ London Sunday Times, Apr 19