Amarantus Bioscience Holdings Inc. announced the publication of positive pre-clinical data for mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) in the treatment of retinal damage in the prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journal Science Magazine. In addition, Amarantus' wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics Inc. was issued a patent by the Japan Patent Office entitled "Method of Treatment for Retinal Disorders" covering the use of MANF and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) as treatments for retinal disorders, including Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Glaucoma. The issued patent extends coverage for MANF Therapeutics use of MANF and CDNF in the treatment of retinal disorders in Japan into 2031. The data published in Science demonstrated a strong protective effect of MANF on retinal cells and on retinal function in animal models of retinal damage. It was determined that the effect was driven by MANF's capacity to activate and modulate the retinal immune microenvironment, and specifically its role in mediating retinal damage. The key findings from the publication include: Hemocyte-derived MANF is activated downstream of Pvf-1/PvR paracrine signaling to promote retinal repair in Drosophila; MANF has immune modulatory properties that are required for retinal repair in Drosophila; Damage response associated PDGF-A/MANF paracrine signaling is conserved in mammals; MANF has a conserved neuroprotective function in the mammalian retina; MANF-dependent modulation of immune cell phenotypes mediates retinal protection; MANF promotes cell integration and restoration of visual function in the mammalian retina.