Hyderabad: A tissue softening enzyme collagenase is being clinically tested through the first human trial at L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad for treating burns, accidents and acid attacks that affect eyes.
According to research conducted by the UK-based Newcastle University and published in famous journal Nature, the application of collagenase to cornea, softens the underlying tissue and allows for stem cells situated to repair damage. The clinical trial would be conducted on 30 patients in Hyderabad.
Dr Sayan Basu, the director for the Centre for Ocular Regeneration, at LVPEI, explained, “The 30 candidates for trial will be selected after proper scrutiny and the results are expected in 2021.”
Dr Vivek Singh, lead scientist at LVPEI, explained, “If the trial is successful, it will save time and money in treating alkali burn patients without the need for long term follow up.”
Corneal trauma is seen in 1 of every 5 burns cases and it is estimated that 5,00,000 people lose their sight due to chemical burns including acid attacks.
