ENCELTO Implant

ENCELTO is a tiny device placed inside the eye. It slowly releases a helpful protein called CNTF. The goal is to slow down vision loss in adults who have a rare condition called macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel).

MacTel affects the macula—the part of your retina that helps you read, recognize faces, and see fine detail. Over time, MacTel can make central vision blurrier. 1 Doctors and patient resources explain that MacTel usually gets worse slowly, which is why a treatment that can slow the damage is meaningful. 2

Why ENCELTO is different: Unlike drops or shots that wear off, ENCELTO is a small capsule that stays in the eye and steadily releases CNTF over time. The protein helps protect the retina’s light-sensing cells, which are important for clear vision.

What ENCELTO can and cannot do:

• Can: Slow the retinal changes that lead to central vision problems.
• Cannot: Cure MacTel or restore vision that is already lost.

Big picture: ENCELTO offers a new approach to protecting vision for longer. Your eye specialist will decide if it is a good fit after an exam and imaging tests.

ENCELTO is placed by a retina surgeon in a short, outpatient procedure. A very small opening is made at the side of the eye, and the rice-sized capsule is slid into the gel that fills the eye. A tiny stitch keeps it in place so it doesn’t move. The wall of the capsule lets CNTF seep out while keeping the cells inside sealed and safe. 3

Step by step:

• Before surgery: Eye exam, imaging, and medication review.
• Day of surgery: The eye is numbed, the capsule is placed, and a small stitch secures it.
• After surgery: You go home the same day with an eye shield and a short course of drops.

Doctors track progress with imaging that shows macular changes over time. 4

Other care options for MacTel are limited. ENCELTO is the first FDA-approved option, though some patients also use monitoring and low-vision tools for daily life.

ENCELTO is for adults with MacTel type 2, confirmed by a retina specialist with imaging such as OCT scans. Because MacTel can progress slowly, detecting early changes helps guide timing for treatment. 5

Common candidate traits include:

• Age 18 or older with confirmed MacTel type 2
• Able to have a brief outpatient procedure
• No active eye infection or severe inflammation

Your doctor will also review your health, eye history, and medicines to weigh risks and benefits. Easy-to-read resources can help you understand what to expect. 6

The total cost includes the device, operating room and staff, surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and follow-up visits. Your out-of-pocket costs depend on insurance, location, and the surgery center.

ENCELTOconnect is a support program that helps clinics with benefit checks, scheduling, and paperwork. 7

Tips to avoid surprises:

• Ask if prior authorization is required.
• Confirm which center and pharmacy will handle the device.
• Request a cost estimate in advance. Some insurers publish policies online. 8
• Explore manufacturer or charitable assistance programs if eligible.

Clinical trials showed that patients receiving ENCELTO had slower retinal damage over 24 months compared with sham procedures. Experts describe ENCELTO as the first FDA-approved treatment for MacTel. 9

Limits to keep in mind:

• ENCELTO slows changes but does not cure MacTel.
• It may not improve already lost vision.
• Results vary between patients.

Possible risks include:

• Infection inside the eye
• Retinal tear or detachment
• Bleeding
• Cataract over time
• Temporary irritation, floaters, or blurred vision

Specialist articles have discussed CNTF therapy for years, shaping today’s recommendations. 10

Most people go home the same day. Recovery involves using drops, wearing an eye shield, and avoiding heavy lifting or water in the eye for about a week. 3

When to call your doctor: Worsening pain, increasing redness, new flashes/floaters, or sudden vision changes.

Follow-up includes check-ins, imaging, and monitoring the implant. Mild early blurriness or irritation often improves with time. Long-term, MacTel requires ongoing visits. If needed, the device can be repositioned or removed. 11

NEJM Evidence reported meaningful slowing of retinal changes with ENCELTO compared to sham. 12 Earlier reports for eye doctors highlighted how the platform was developed to provide sustained delivery.

Public research groups explain the science in simple terms: living cells inside the capsule make CNTF, while the capsule wall controls release. This approach has now moved from research to clinical use. 13

Experts in gene and cell therapy view ENCELTO as the first treatment of its kind for a degenerative retinal disease, paving the way for future innovations. 14

Doctors are now collecting real-world data on long-term outcomes, treatment timing for the second eye, and supportive care with low-vision tools.

If you have or are suspected of having MacTel type 2, here’s what to do:

• Schedule a visit with a retina specialist (vitreoretinal surgeon).
• Bring prior records and imaging for review.
• Ask about benefits, risks, costs, and procedure timing.

Some centers have already begun using ENCELTO, and professional news outlets have reported early experiences. 15 Patient-focused news sources also explain what FDA approval means for people living with MacTel. 16

Bottom line: ENCELTO provides a steady-delivery option aimed at protecting central vision. A specialist visit will help decide if and when it’s right for you.