Tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty with lab-grown corneal endothelial grafts
Official title: Safety and Efficacy of Tissue Engineered Endothelial Keratoplasty (TE-EK)
Run by Singapore Eye Research Institute · NCT04319848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a graft made from lab-grown human corneal endothelial cells can safely restore vision in adults with mild to moderate corneal endothelial failure such as Fuchs' dystrophy or bullous keratopathy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Singapore Eye Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04319848 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 21 to 80 with mild to moderate corneal endothelial decompensation (including Fuchs' dystrophy or pseudophakic/aphakic bullous keratopathy) and minimal stromal scarring, without complex anterior segment issues, are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe stromal scarring, complex anterior segment problems that preclude EK, other non-endothelial causes of decompensation (traumatic or post-inflammatory), glaucoma- or post-laser iridotomy-related decompensation, those younger than 21 or older than 80, pregnant patients, or those unwilling to participate are unlikely to benefit from TE-EK in this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 1 interventional trial implants tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TE-EK) graft material created from cultured human corneal endothelial cells propagated using a regulatory-approved dual media method. Surgeries follow current endothelial keratoplasty (EK) protocols at the Singapore National Eye Centre with standard postoperative care and scheduled follow-up visits. Clinical outcomes include visual acuity, intraocular pressure, keratometric astigmatism, spherical equivalent, endothelial cell density, AS-OCT imaging, contrast sensitivity, and monitoring for complications such as graft dislocation or primary graft failure. The primary focus of this first-in-human study is safety, with preliminary efficacy signals recorded as secondary outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could restore endothelial function and improve vision while reducing dependence on donor corneas.
How similar studies have gone: Early preclinical work and some clinical cell-injection approaches using cultured corneal endothelial cells have shown promising results, but implantation of tissue-engineered grafts remains relatively novel with limited Phase 1 human data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients who have mild to moderate corneal endothelial decompensation or bullous keratopathy, but with minimal corneal stromal scarring resulting from a variety of conditions including: * Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy * Post-surgical corneal decompensation (irreversible) - all forms of pseudophakic or aphakic bullous keratopathy Exclusion Criteria: * Severe forms or late stage presentation of corneal decompensation with severe corneal stromal scarring, unsuitable for TE-EK surgery as opposed to penetrating keratoplasty * Patients with complex anterior segment complications precluding a successful TE-EK procedure * Patients who have other forms of endothelial dystrophy, traumatic corneal decompensation, or post-inflammatory corneal decompensation * Post-laser iridotomy or glaucoma related corneal decompensation * Patients not keen to participate in the clinical trial * Patients who are below 21 years of age or above 80 years of age * Patients who are pregnant * Patients who are cognitively impaired * Patients who are prisoners * Patients who are allergic to antibiotics
Where it's running
-
Singapore Eye Research Institute
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jodhbir Mehta — Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lee Yan Lim
- Email: lim.lee.yan@seri.com.sg
- Phone: +65 6576 7322
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.