World | India
Researchers set sights on 14,000 eye transplants
At least half-a-dozen eye hospitals in the country are collaborating with a research centre in Chennai to create the inner layer of the cornea, the vital window of the human eye.
- IANS
- Published: 23:46 August 13, 2008
Chennai: At least half-a-dozen eye hospitals in the country are collaborating with a research centre in Chennai to create the inner layer of the cornea, the vital window of the human eye.
Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) hopes to make corneal endothelium available on a commercial scale.
NCRM eventually plans to set up a Corneal Endothelial Stem Precursor Cell Bank at a cost of $8 million (Dh29.3) that would put it in a position to facilitate some 14,000 eye transplants a year.
The project is based on the findings of Japanese doctor Shiro Amano of the Tokyo University School of Medicine, who in 2002 found that the inner corneal layer contains stem cells that can multiply manifold in the laboratory.
"The finding triggered worldwide research in creating corneal cells for therapeutic use," said Samuel J.K. Abraham, lead researcher and director of the Chennai laboratory of the Nichi-In Centre.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Ajtebi's phenomenal assent
The former camel jockey was at the peak of his powers when upstaging Garret Gomez
-
US pushing for more aid to Philippines
Obama administration eyeing $667m security assistance package
-
Mohammad launches H1N1 campaign
Shaikh Mohammad was the first one to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
