As soon as his bandages were removed, the septuagenarian was able to recognize his relatives and read numbers.
- This innovation avoids the use of human cornea donation and the risk of rejection
- The patient passed a reading test as soon as his bandages were removed
A 78-year-old Israeli received a new type of synthetic cornea, made by the CorNeat company. Before the operation on January 3, 2021, he had received 4 human corneal transplants, all of which had failed. Unlike other models, this new synthetic cornea can be implanted without the need for donor tissue. The operation is also simplified, compared to a human corneal transplant, it requires fewer stitches and the cornea integrates more easily with the tissues of the eye because it stimulates cell proliferation. According to CorNeat, the healing time would also be faster. The synthetic cornea mimics the microstructure of the extracellular matrix, this assembly of molecules binds cells and forms tissues. According to the researchers, it does not cause an immune system reaction.
Regain sight quickly
The day after the operation, the patient was able to regain his sight: when the doctors removed his bandage to carry out a test, he was able to recognize his relatives and passed a number reading test. “That moment when we took the bandage off was emotionally strong, says Irit Bahar, who participated in this operation. Moments like this are a fulfillment of our commitment as physicians. We are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting and meaningful project, which will impact the lives of millions of people.“A total of ten patients are participating in the medical trial conducted by this start-up. For the first study, the researchers recruited patients who had already received one or more failed corneal transplants. The new implant was their last chance. to regain sight.
Further trials planned
“Given the good results of this tool, (…) we plan to launch a second study later with broader indications, to use it as a first-line treatment“, explains Almog Aley-Raz, co-founder of CorNeat. The device could make it possible to avoid the use of human cornea donation. Trials are planned in other countries of the world, if the company obtains the necessary authorizations: in Canada, France, the United States and the Netherlands.
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