COVINGTON – AVALA Hospital, in partnership with Retina Associates New Orleans, has announced that Dr. Stanislav Zhuk has successfully performed Louisiana’s first ENCELTO™ procedure, marking a major advancement in retinal care and personalized medicine in the state.
ENCELTO™, developed by Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, is an encapsulated cell-based gene therapy that represents a revolutionary approach to treating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) in adults—a rare and progressive retinal disease that causes central vision loss. Roughly the size of a grain of rice, ENCELTO delivers recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhCNTF) directly to the retina through living cells that have been genetically modified to continuously release the therapeutic protein.
This innovative treatment offers new hope for MacTel patients who, until now, had no approved therapy options to slow or prevent vision loss.
Performed at AVALA Hospital in Covington, Louisiana, the procedure reflects AVALA’s commitment to innovation and advanced patient care, reinforcing its role as a leader in bringing emerging technologies and treatments to the Gulf South region.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Dr. Zhuk and Retina Associates of New Orleans to pioneer this breakthrough in vision care,” said Joy Melgar, AVALA Chief Nursing Officer and AVALA Surgery Center Administrator. “Offering the first ENCELTO procedure in Louisiana underscores AVALA’s mission to restore trust between physicians, patients, and healthcare teams by providing access to life-changing technologies.”
The ENCELTO procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery by an eye surgeon experienced in vitreoretinal techniques. The treatment provides continuous and localized therapy directly to the retina, potentially preserving vision and retinal function for patients living with MacTel.
“Being part of this first-in-state procedure is a truly historic moment for both our patients and the field of retinal medicine,” said Dr. Stanislav Zhuk, Retina Surgeon at Retina Associates New Orleans. “ENCELTO bridges the promise of gene therapy with real, sustained delivery of treatment where it’s needed most: directly to the retina. We’re honored to bring this level of innovation to Louisiana and to our patients who have been waiting for options.”
About AVALA
AVALA is a Louisiana-based health network providing advanced medical care across a wide range of specialties. Its 21-bed hospital offers personalized care in a modern setting, supported by a network that includes a state-of-the-art surgery center known for minimally invasive and innovative procedures.
The AVALA network also provides comprehensive diagnostic imaging services, using the latest technologies for timely and accurate results. Its physical and hand therapy departments emphasize rehabilitation and recovery tailored to each patient, while its physician clinics and orthopedic urgent care centers address both routine and specialized needs. For more information, visit avala.com.
About Retina Associates New Orleans
Retina Associates of New Orleans is one of the Gulf South’s premier retinal specialty groups, offering advanced diagnostics and surgical treatments for a wide range of retinal diseases. With a commitment to patient-centered care and clinical innovation, the practice is at the forefront of sight-saving technology.
About ENCELTO™
ENCELTO is an encapsulated cell-based gene therapy designed to continuously deliver rhCNTF directly to the retina to protect light-sensing cells known as photoreceptors. It is indicated for adults with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), a progressive retinal disease that can lead to central vision loss.