The use of Implantable Corneas from Pig Skin to Restore Vision

Scientists in Sweden from Linköping University have successfully developed implantable corneas from pig skin for 14 previously blind patients. From sites in Iran and India, a study was performed on 20 patients who got an implant for restoring their corneal thickness and curvature to a normal level. The visual outcome was perfect as a human-donated cornea was used.

An implant rejection was prevented due to an eight-week course of immunosuppressive eye drops used instead of the normal regimen typically used following a human corneal transplant. An eight-week course of immunosuppressive eye drops was enough to prevent implant rejection, much shorter than the regimens typically used following a human corneal transplant.

According to the analytics firm Vision Research Reports, the corneal implants market is around $420 million this year but it is expected to increase to $700 million by 2030. This growth is due to the rising prevalence of corneal diseases and the interest of industries in bioengineered, 3D-printed, and stem cell-derived corneas.

Source: Pharmiweb

 corneal / pig / Sweden / Linköping University  / Iran / Transplant