LVPEI gets Stell cell therapy patent from Australia

This unique ‘cell composition’ based therapy marks a significant milestone in the field of ophthalmology and cell-based therapies, hospital in a press release on Thursday.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) has been granted an Australian patent for a novel cell therapy that can be used to repair damaged corneas from a variety of corneal diseases.

This unique ‘cell composition’ based therapy marks a significant milestone in the field of ophthalmology and cell-based therapies, hospital in a press release on Thursday.

---

The patent is granted for the advanced cell compositions comprising limbal epithelial and stromal cells for treating and preventing corneal diseases, along with their production methods and therapeutic applications.

The therapy has previously been granted a patent by the Patent Office, Government of India, for a period of 20 years in accordance with the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970 and approved clinical trials were also under way. It will need more validation before it is available for patient use, LVPEI doctors said.

The patent, granted to two inventors from LVPEI, Dr Sayan Basu and Dr Vivek Singh, has the potential to offer a viable alternative to transplants that uses either the person’s own, or donor corneal stem cells to repopulate the corneal surface with healthy, clear cells.

Corneal scarring happens when it is damaged and turns opaque due to infection or accidents and corneal blindness is a major cause of blindness and vision impairment, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Dr. Singh believes this marks the first Australian patent for India, focusing on the use of stromal stem cell-based therapy for corneal scars. “In the long term, this breakthrough will significantly benefit individuals with visual impairments by providing an affordable and effective treatment option,” he said.

Dr Sayan Basu, added, “If the clinical trials are successful, this cell-based therapy could revolutionize the treatment of various corneal pathologies.”