The establishment of advanced cell therapy for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency in the Czech Republic.
Charles University ·Czechia
About this project
<p>To introduce treatment for a blinding corneal disorder, limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), using advanced stem cell-based transplantation therapy into clinical practice. First, a xenogeneic-free protocol for limbal epithelial cell preparation will be ameliorated via cooperation with partners. After verification in preclinical practice and approval by the National Authority, a Clinical trial 1 using these cells will be conducted in ≥12 patients with unilateral LSCD. In parallel, we will prepare a xenogeneic-free cultivation protocol of autologous epithelial cells. Clinical trial 2 will be conducted on ≥12 patients with bilateral LSCD. Methods for cell preparation will be tested for safety (DNA stability), and the method for long-term preservation of cells will be developed (vitrification).</p>
Bilateral cooperation results
The project would not have been successful without bilateral cooperation. Bilateral joint research and collaboration on joint results has strengthened the knowledge of all involved parties and strengthened the bilateral cooperation which can continue.
Project partners
- University of Oslo Donor project partner· Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) Donor project partner· Norway
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS Project partner· Czechia
- University Hospital Královské Vinohrady Project partner· Czechia