Hyderabad: LVPEI gets Australian patent for stem cell therapy to treat vision loss in corneal scarring

Hyderabad: The LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) here has been granted an Australian patent for a novel cell therapy that can be used to repair damaged corneas from a variety of corneal diseases. This unique ‘cell composition’ based therapy marks a significant milestone in the field of ophthalmology and cell-based therapies.

The patent is granted for the advanced cell compositions comprising limbal epithelial and stromal cells for treating and preventing corneal diseases, along with their production methods and therapeutic applications. The therapy has previously been granted a patent by the Patent Office, Government of India, for a period of 20 years in accordance with the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970. Government of India approved clinical trials are also under way. It will need more validation before it is available for patient use.

The two inventors behind the patent

The patent was granted to two inventors from LVPEI, doctors Sayan Basu and Vivek Singh. Dr Basu is a corneal surgeon and a clinician-scientist at LVPEI. He is the Prof D Balasubramanian Chair of Eye Research at the Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC); and the Director of the Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE) at LVPEI. Dr Vivek Singh is a scientist at the Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory and Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), LVPEI.

What is corneal scarring?

Corneal scarring happens when the cornea (the transparent, outer layer of the eye) is damaged and turns opaque due to infection or accidents.

Corneal blindness is a major cause of blindness and vision impairment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Most forms of corneal blindness currently require corneal transplants, which are complex and require lifelong management. This patented composition has the potential to offer a viable alternative to transplants that uses either the person’s own or donor corneal stem cells to repopulate the corneal surface with healthy, clear cells.

Another example of the therapy’s potential impact is in treating Keratoconus, a chronic condition where the cornea thins out and changes shape, distorting vision. By deploying this patented therapy, there is potential to replenish corneal collagen, the connective protein that holds the shape of the cornea. Replenished collagen as a result of this technique can result in a strengthened cornea, offering a potential treatment for keratoconus.

Dr Singh believes this marks the first Australian patent for India, focusing on the use of stromal stem cell-based therapy for corneal scars. “In the long term, this breakthrough will significantly benefit individuals with visual impairments by providing an affordable and effective treatment option,” said Dr Singh.

Dr Sayan Basu added, “If the clinical trials are successful, this cell-based therapy could revolutionise the treatment of various corneal pathologies.”