Inventors Sayan Basu and Vivek Singh use stem cells from the eye’s surface to treat vision loss due to corneal scarring or corneal distention.
The Indian Patent Office has granted this patent, valid for 20 years under the guidelines of the Patents Act, 1970. (Creative Commons)
The LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad has secured a patent for an innovative cell therapy designed to address various corneal diseases by repairing damaged corneas.
This patented therapy utilises a distinctive blend of stem cells extracted from the eye’s surface and two specific clotting factors, layered in a unique manner. The Indian Patent Office has granted this patent, valid for 20 years under the guidelines of the Patents Act, 1970.
The esteemed patent was awarded to two LVPEI inventors: Dr Sayan Basu and Dr Vivek Singh.
Dr Basu, a corneal surgeon and clinician-scientist at LVPEI, holds the distinguished position of Prof D Balasubramanian Chair of Eye Research at the Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC). Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE) at LVPEI.
Dr Vivek Singh, a scientist at the Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory and Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), LVPEI, is also among the recipients of this groundbreaking patent.
Corneal scarring happens when the cornea (the transparent, outer layer of the eye) is damaged and turns opaque due to infection or accidents. Corneal blindness is a major cause of blindness and vision impairment, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Most forms of corneal blindness currently require corneal transplants, which are complex and require lifelong management. This patented composition 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.
“The potential impact of this patent extends beyond just scientific research to meet the needs of the broader public,” said Dr Basu in a statement.
“If the clinical trials are successful, this cell-based therapy could revolutionise the treatment of various corneal pathologies,” he said in the statement.
Another example of the therapy’s potential impact is in treating keratoconus, a chronic condition where the cornea thins out and changes shape, distorting vision. By deploying this patented therapy, there is potential to replenish corneal collagen, the connective protein that holds the shape of the cornea.
Replenished collagen, as a result of this technique, can result in a strengthened cornea, offering a potential treatment to keratoconus.
“This patent is testament to the world-class research that is rooted in India, and in solving India’s — and the world’s — burden due to corneal disease. This therapy has the potential to improve lives and I hope to see this become a reality soon,” said Dr Singh in the statement.
Currently, under clinical trials, this unique “cell composition” based therapy marks a significant milestone in the field of ophthalmology and cell-based therapy.
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