MSC Secretome Eye Drops to Speed Healing of Corneal Wounds
Official title: Phase I Study of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome for Promoting Corneal Regeneration
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11628932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new eye drop made from stem cell–secreted factors is being tested to help adults with non-healing corneal wounds recover vision faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $300,911 |
| NIH project number | 3UH3EY031809-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11628932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with non-healing corneal wounds, especially those with autoimmune or injury-related corneal damage, may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without chronic corneal ulcers or those with different eye conditions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a topical therapy made from factors secreted by mesenchymal stem cells to promote faster corneal wound healing and reduce inflammation and scarring. The approach moves from lab studies in animals and cells toward a first-in-human clinical trial at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Participants would receive the MSC secretome eye drops and be monitored for healing speed, vision, and any safety concerns over time. If successful, this could offer a non-invasive option to improve outcomes for people with chronic corneal ulcers and related autoimmune- or injury-associated conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience faster healing of corneal wounds and preservation of vision with a non-invasive eye drop therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown MSC secretome can promote healing and reduce scarring; human data in this exact approach are pending.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Djalilian, Ali R — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Djalilian, Ali R
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.