Seeing a ray of hope

• Many of us are familiar with 3D printing, but what about 3D printing body parts — specifically corneas? Around the world, a staggering 28 million people suffer from corneal blindness.
• Currently, the only solution is donor corneas, but demand far outstrips supply. Exacerbating the problem are post-transplant complications, such as rejections and infections. This leaves many patients incapable of seeing until their cornea is totally replaced.
• Now, here’s the good news: 500-backed biotech startup Pandorum Technologies is rising to the challenge! They have been developing 3D-printed corneas that are functional and ready to implant.
• How is the team achieving this? The final product, called the ‘Corneal Lenticule’, is printed using a custom, proprietary bioink based on 3D models of corneas.
• The artificially-constructed corneas mimic the shape and size of cornea, and possesses all the physical and biological properties necessary for long-term integration with the body.
• After successfully passing in-vitro testing and in-animal models, the team is preparing for the next important step: human trials. This milestone will provide essential proof needed to bring this treatment to people, and the team is excited to soon be able to restore the sight of millions across the world.
• Pandorum’s clinical trials will take place across multiple hospitals in India and the United States.
• Read the full article here.