Using cell secretions to help heal corneal wounds

Phase I Study of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome for Promoting Corneal Regeneration

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10692838

This study is looking at how special eye drops made from cells in the body can help heal stubborn corneal wounds that can happen due to diabetes or autoimmune diseases, with the goal of improving vision for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10692838 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of secretions from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to promote healing in patients with non-healing corneal wounds. These wounds can result from various conditions, including diabetes and autoimmune diseases, and often lead to vision loss. The study aims to develop a treatment that utilizes MSC secretome in the form of eye drops to enhance tissue repair and reduce inflammation and scarring. By bridging laboratory findings with clinical application, this trial seeks to provide a new therapeutic option for affected patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old suffering from non-healing corneal wounds due to conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with corneal wounds that are not classified as non-healing or those with other unrelated ocular conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that significantly improves healing and reduces complications for patients with chronic corneal wounds.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using MSC secretions for tissue repair, indicating a potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseasesautoimmune disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.