Treatment for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency using Descemet's Membrane

Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency With Descemet's Membrane

PHASE1 · University of Minnesota · NCT05909735

This study is testing a new way to treat corneal blindness caused by Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency by using a special corneal onlay to see if it can improve vision for people with this condition.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota (other)
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05909735 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to treat Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) by transplanting a Descemet's Membrane corneal onlay. LSCD is a significant cause of corneal blindness, and current treatments are inadequate. The study will involve patients with either partial or total LSCD, assessing the effectiveness of the onlay in restoring corneal health and vision. The trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of this innovative approach in a controlled setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with partial or total LSCD who have visually significant impairment and have not responded to conventional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, prisoners, or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from LSCD.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been limited studies on similar approaches, this specific use of Descemet's Membrane for LSCD treatment is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Arm 1:

* partial LSCD (involving less than 75% of the limbus, or \<75% of the corneal surface)
* Visually significant (best-corrected visually acuity 20/100 or worse)

Arm 2:

* total/near-total LSCD with recurrent erosions or PEDs (involving more than 75% of the limbus, or more than 75% of the corneal surface)
* Visually significant (best-corrected visually acuity 20/100 or worse) PLUS
* Persistent epithelial defects last \>2 weeks despite maximal medical therapy OR
* Recurrent erosions occuring at least once every month

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Prisoners (vulnerable population)
* Adults lacking capacity to consent (vulnerable population)
* Adults unable to sign consent due to non-english speaking or illiterate (vulnerable population)

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Limbal Stem-cell Deficiency, Congenital Aniridia, congenital aniridia, limbal stem cell deficiency, Descemet's Membrane

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.