Kerato's Strategic Alliance Set To Redefine The Future Of Corneal Damage Healing

Kerato, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BSF, is dedicated to advancing innovations in tissue engineering for both in vitro and in vivo corneal applications. To achieve this goal, Kerato has partnered with the University of Montreal, leveraging their expertise in tissue engineering to develop an in-situ gelling cornea designed to treat corneal damage and full-thickness perforations. Corneal transplants are the most common tissue transplant performed globally, with approximately 185,000 procedures conducted each year.

However, around 55% of the world's population lacks access to donor tissue, leaving an estimated 12.7 million people waiting for a transplant. In 2021, the global market for artificial corneas and corneal implants was valued at $421 million, with Kerato identifying a serviceable market of $37.6 million. This market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.9%, reaching an estimated $767.5 million by 2030.

Kerato’s innovative treatment integrates the patient’s own corneal stromal cells with a synthetic extracellular matrix protein sequence to facilitate tissue healing and surface re-epithelialization of the eye. By delivering this treatment through injections rather than requiring full transplant surgery, the procedure aims to simplify treatment for many patients. This approach is anticipated to shorten hospital stays, lower the risk of graft rejection, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall patient outcomes.

The newly formed tissue, created using the patient’s stromal cells, is clear and mimics the natural curvature of the eye. Stromal cells are vital components of the extracellular matrix, providing essential structural support for organs. Kerato's intellectual property and its academic collaborators have previously established the significant role of corneal stromal cells in developing a healthy extracellular matrix and highlighted the influence of biomechanics on tissue regeneration.

Kerato's collaboration with the University of Montreal aims to build on the successful pre-clinical research conducted by Professor May Griffith. This partnership will focus on advancing the prototype corneal treatment through safety and efficacy studies, completing clinical trials, and obtaining regulatory approvals before introducing the product to international markets.

To mitigate risks and expedite the timeline for market entry, the new strategy will initially involve trials in the veterinary field, providing pet owners with enhanced access to sophisticated corneal repair treatments. Kerato's objective is to commercialize its cutting-edge intellectual property in tissue engineering and bioengineered corneal products while accelerating the development of clinical and veterinary trials. The company is currently working on two key applications: an Implantable Medical Device and an Ocular Toxicity Testing Platform.

Sarah Greenhalgh, managing director at Kerato said in a statement, “This project with the University of Montreal marks the next step in the growth and development of Kerato’s corneal regenerative therapy technologies. Stromal stem cells significantly contribute to corneal clarity by replenishing damaged or aged keratocytes. We are excited to be working on a transformative treatment for the repair of corneal damage which can reduce costs for healthcare providers and support improved patient outcomes.”