Advances in stem cell therapies for treating ocular inflammation
The CELOPHIN study aims to reduce dependence on immunosuppressants, with the participation of Dr. Nicolás Alejandre from Miranza, in patients with severe ocular conditions
We continue to make progress in research and development at Miranza. The first phase of the multicenter clinical trial CELOPHIN has recently concluded, confirming the safety of using allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in the treatment of autoimmune cicatricial conjunctivitis and other inflammatory ocular surface diseases.
The study, part of the Terav Network (Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies) with the support of SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network) and funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, is led by Dr. Nicolás Alejandre, Medical Director of IMO Grupo Miranza Madrid and specialist in corneal and cataract surgery. CELOPHIN represents a pioneering step forward in the use of cell therapies to control chronic ocular inflammation.
These conditions—including mucous membrane pemphigoid with ocular involvement, Lyell’s syndrome, and Stevens–Johnson syndrome—can cause severe scarring on the eye’s surface and compromise patients’ vision and quality of life. The intense inflammation caused by these diseases affects both the conjunctiva and the cornea, potentially leading to extensive scarring, adhesions between the eyelids and the eyeball, and alterations in tear production.
“Monitoring the patients for a year has allowed us to confirm the safety of the treatment and points to its potential effectiveness. The data from this first phase are encouraging. In 50% of the cases, we have observed clear clinical improvements, and in the rest of the patients, the disease has remained stable”, says Dr. Nicolás Alejandre, principal investigator of the project.
Awaiting the Start of Phase Two
In the first phase of the trial, around twenty patients participated, with results supporting the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells to control ocular surface inflammation. The research team is currently processing the initiation of the next phase, which will focus on evaluating the treatment’s efficacy in a larger group of patients.
The goal of the next stage is to confirm the data obtained and determine whether this approach can reduce the need for immunosuppressive drugs, which would help minimize the side effects associated with these treatments and improve patients’ quality of life.
“If we can demonstrate that stem cells can control inflammation without relying so heavily on immunosuppressants, we will be taking a decisive step toward more personalized and safer ophthalmology”, adds Dr. Nicolás Alejandre.
Further Research Underway
In addition to his role in the CELOPHIN trial, Dr. Nicolás Alejandre is collaborating on a research project focused on exploring the effects of stem cells on blepharitis (Meibomian gland dysfunction) in cases with an ocular inflammatory component. This initiative also involves the Institute of Health Sciences of Castilla y León (ICSCYL) and the Complutense University of Madrid, with funding from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, aiming to strengthen the commitment to innovation in regenerative therapies applied to ophthalmology.
