Corneal transplantation is performed when there is severe damage or disease of the cornea that distorts or blocks the path of light to the eye. Although about 90 percent of all corneal transplant operations are successful, it is preferable for patients to retain their natural corneas, minimize complications, and speed visual rehabilitation. Also, for corneal transplantation, donor corneas have to be carefully checked for clarity, cell density, and other features, and screened for viruses that cause hepatitis and AIDS. Availability of donor corneas limits the number of transplants performed. The total recovery time after surgery may take up to a year.
Solution
By using a nanotechnology approach, healthy corneal cells that are grown under tightly controlled laboratory conditions are injected into the eye, and guided to the appropriate place. With this method, localization and adhesion of the healthy cells to the patient's cornea should take about a day. Recovery from this procedure is expected to be much shorter than in traditional corneal transplantation surgery.
Competitive Advantage
A less invasive alternative to corneal transplantation has been developed. In addition, there is no need for a corneal transplant donor. After treatment by this invention, patients are expected to recover more quickly, and complications from scarring are greatly reduced.
Applications
This invention can be used to restore vision damaged by disease or injury to the cornea.
Patent Status
International Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/033086 was filed on February 4, 2009.
Licensing Opportunity
We are seeking commercialization partnerships for a novel, less invasive alternative to corneal transplantation.
About the Inventors
Jeffrey Goldberg, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology & Anatomy at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
Alan Halpern, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Kalamazoo, MI. He holds two patents regarding the use of tagged cells for the repair of injured tissues.
Selected References
Raju H, Goldberg JL. Nanotechnology for ocular therapeutics and tissue repair. Expert Reviews in Ophthalmology. 2008. 3(4):431-436.
