Developing stem cell therapy to treat corneal blindness
Cell Therapy Program with Scale-up cGMP Manufacturing of Human Corneal Stromal Stem Cells
This study is testing a new treatment using special stem cells to help people with corneal blindness from scarring, aiming to provide a safer and easier option than traditional corneal transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10913577 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new therapy using human corneal stromal stem cells to address corneal blindness caused by scarring. The project aims to establish Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) procedures for producing these stem cells safely and effectively. By validating these procedures and analyzing clinical data, the research seeks to reduce the reliance on traditional corneal transplants. Patients may benefit from a more accessible and potentially safer treatment option for corneal scarring disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing corneal scarring or related vision impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with corneal conditions not related to scarring or those who have other underlying eye diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients suffering from corneal blindness, potentially reducing the need for corneal transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with stem cell therapies in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yam, Hin Fai — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yam, Hin Fai
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.