KS Hegde Medical Academy achieves breakthrough in stem cell therapy; corneal patients regain full vision

KS Hegde Medical Academy achieves breakthrough in stem cell therapy; corneal patients regain full vision

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 20, 2025: The Department of Ophthalmology at K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, in collaboration with the Stem Cell Laboratory, has initiated a pioneering clinical trial on limbal stem cell transplantation for patients with corneal damage.

Out of the ten planned procedures, two have been successfully completed while the third is underway. Both treated patients have regained complete vision along with significant improvement in ocular appearance. The trial is being led by Dr. Praveenkumar Shetty, Research Director of Nitte (Deemed to be University), with funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with ophthalmologists Dr. Vijay Pai and Dr. Vishaka Shetty.

 

 

The therapy, offered free of cost at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, is expected to benefit patients with corneal loss due to genetic disorders such as Aniridia, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, or physical and chemical injuries.

The research team has also successfully differentiated adult mesenchymal stem cells into limbal stem cells and endothelial cells, opening new possibilities for treating a range of complex corneal and endothelial disorders. The ongoing project is supported by ICMR and Nitte (Deemed to be University).

This breakthrough stems from the establishment of a stem cell lab at KSHEMA more than a decade ago, initiated by Nitte University Chancellor Shri Vinay Hegde in collaboration with Canterbury Christchurch University (UK) and Catholic University of Korea. Senior leaders of Nitte University, including Pro-Chancellors Dr. Shantharam Shetty and Mr. Vishal Hegde, Vice Chancellor Dr. M.S. Moodithaya, Registrar Dr. Harsha Halahalli, and Dean Dr. Sandeep Rai, have extended strong support to the initiative.

Looking ahead, researchers at the Stem Cell Research Centre aim to expand the application of this therapy to other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, immunological ulcers, burns, tympanic membrane repair, chondrocyte transplantation, neurological degenerative diseases, and fibrosis.