Repairing corneal scars without stitches using a special gel
Official title: Corneal Scar Repair through SPAACKL: Sutureless, Pro-regenerative Anterior Additive Collagen gel KeratopLasty
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11010339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle way to treat corneal scarring by using a special gel that helps heal the eye and improve vision without stitches, making it a great option for people at risk of vision loss or blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $498,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033363-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from corneal scarring due to injury or disease who are at risk of vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with corneal conditions that do not involve scarring or those who have other underlying eye diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new technique called Sutureless, Pro-regenerative Anterior Additive Collagen gel Keratoplasty (SPAACKL) to treat corneal scarring, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. The approach involves removing damaged corneal tissue and replacing it with a transparent gel that contains therapeutic cells known as corneal mesenchymal stromal cells (c-MSCs). This gel not only restores the cornea's smooth surface for clear vision but also encourages rapid healing of the eye. The method uses a safe, innovative technology that allows the gel to bond without harming surrounding tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with corneal scarring, potentially restoring their vision without the need for donor tissue.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar regenerative approaches in corneal repair, indicating potential for success with this novel technique.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myung, David — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Myung, David
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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.