Stem cell deficiency in the limbus of the eye can result from a number of conditions such as aniridia, Steven Johnson Syndrome and chemical and thermal injury.

The most commonly used method for delivering cultured cells to the cornea for clinical use is the human amniotic membrane. Cells are cultured on this, and then the membrane is sutured (cells uppermost) onto the prepared cornea. However, whilst this is the gold standard, this technique does require the use of donor tissue.

Altrika is currently developing an advanced surface for culture and transfer of corneal epithelial cells for treating blinding ocular surface diseases which would ultimately provide a practical alternative to the use of the amniotic membrane and reduce the risks for the patient in the use of laboratory expanded cells.