Osaka University Researchers Restore Vision in Four Patients with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Using Stem Cells

Nov 9, 2024, 02:36 PM

Researchers from Osaka University have achieved a significant breakthrough in treating blindness caused by limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In a first-of-its-kind interventional study conducted in Japan, the team performed corneal transplant surgery on four patients, with promising results. The study, which was a single-arm, open-label trial, demonstrated rapid vision improvement in all patients post-transplant, with their improved vision remaining stable over time. Notably, only one patient experienced a decline in vision during the initial year following the procedure. This innovative approach marks a pivotal advancement in regenerative medicine and offers new hope for individuals suffering from LSCD.