Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 1 Interventional Ages 21 to 80

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

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorSingapore Eye Research Institute
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Singapore)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 1, 2017
Main results expectedDecember 2027
Study endsJune 2028
Registry record updatedSeptember 12, 2025
Trial IDNCT04319848 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.