There are some eye diseases that don’t have any cure today, and others where a single injection can cost ₹2 crore.
So, Jogin Desai and Rajani Battu got talking about how to use the current tools available and create therapies that cost, say $10,000 a shot, instead. Thus, was born Eyestem. The idea is to make cell and gene therapy accessible to many more people.
Battling the Leading Cause of Blindness
The first target in Eyestem’s ambitious journey is dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition responsible for a substantial portion of global blindness among people over 50. Shockingly, around 170 million individuals worldwide suffer from this debilitating ailment, with 40 million in India alone.
A Ray of Hope in Cellular Science
At the heart of Eyestem’s innovative approach is a suspension of cells that could potentially reverse or at least arrest vision loss. The team’s groundbreaking research aims to rebuild the retinal pigment epithelium, a foundational layer upon which our light-sensing cells rely. Through extensive scientific work, they’ve productized the creation of these essential cells, starting with just 1 million and multiplying them to 48 million cells.
Progress on the Horizon
Over the last year, Eyestem has made significant strides. They’ve gathered all the necessary data required for regulatory filing, a critical step toward advancing to human trials. With cautious optimism, Jogin Desai, the co-founder, anticipates achieving safety and efficacy within the next 12 to 15 months, putting them on track to secure provisional commercial approval. Realistically, this means that Eyestem’s inaugural commercial product could be ready for use by late 2025.
Expanding Accessibility through Clinical Trials
The therapy Eyestem offers is administered via a simple injection. In essence, any hospital equipped with a qualified eye surgeon can potentially become a customer. In India, approximately 700 skilled eye surgeons specialize in retina surgery. The accessibility of this treatment is not limited by geographical boundaries.
A Hopeful Outlook for AMD Patients
Eyestem’s focus on dry AMD is particularly significant. Currently, there’s no cure for this condition anywhere in the world, whether you’re in Boston or Bengaluru. This debilitating ailment accounts for a staggering 85-90% of AMD cases. Not only does Eyestem’s approach offer hope for countless individuals, but it also presents a compelling business case due to the sheer scale of the addressable market.
The Road Ahead: A Platform for the Future
Eyestem’s ultimate success won’t be determined overnight. In the span of five to ten years, they aspire to create a cell therapy platform that extends beyond eye treatments. Their vision is to produce any cell the body requires, revolutionizing the field of medical science and potentially offering hope to countless patients worldwide.
In conclusion, Eyestem’s groundbreaking work offers a ray of hope for those suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration and paves the way for affordable, accessible, and transformative therapies. This remarkable initiative underscores the power of innovation and the potential to change the lives of millions. As Eyestem continues its journey, it has the potential to shape the future of medicine and healthcare for years to come.
