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Description
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).