The L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad has received a patent for a new cell therapy that can repair damaged corneas caused by various diseases. This therapy uses stem cells from the surface of the eye and two clotting factors to create a unique composition. The Indian government has granted the patent for 20 years under the Patents Act of 1970.
The patent was given to Doctors Sayan Basu and Vivek Singh. Dr. Basu is a corneal surgeon and a clinician-scientist at LVPEI, as well as the director of the Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE) and the Prof. D Balasubramanian Chair of Eye Research at the Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC). Dr. Singh is a scientist at the Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory and CORE at LVPEI.
Corneal scarring occurs when the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, becomes opaque due to infection or accidents. This type of scarring is a major cause of blindness and vision problems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Most cases of corneal blindness require complex transplants and lifelong management. However, the patented therapy offers an alternative by using either the person’s own or donor corneal stem cells to repopulate the corneal surface with healthy cells.
Dr. Basu believes that this therapy could have a significant impact on treating various corneal diseases. If successful in clinical trials, it could revolutionize the way these conditions are treated. Additionally, the therapy shows promise in treating Keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to thin out and change shape, resulting in distorted vision. The therapy could replenish corneal collagen, which holds the shape of the cornea, and potentially strengthen it to provide a treatment for Keratoconus.
Dr. Singh sees this patent as a testament to the world-class research happening in India and its potential to address corneal diseases worldwide. The therapy is currently undergoing clinical trials and represents a significant milestone in the field of ophthalmology and cell-based therapy.
