In an inspiring breakthrough for eye care, a pioneering team has successfully implanted a 3D-printed cornea made from human cells into a patient, restoring their vision. This remarkable achievement, facilitated by a North Carolina-based company, marks a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for donor tissue and reducing long waiting periods for those in need of corneal transplants.

Precise Bio, the innovative company behind this development, believes that their robotic bio-fabrication technique has the potential to transform the landscape of corneal transplants. They assert that a single donated cornea could eventually be used to produce hundreds of lab-grown grafts, a game-changing solution given that currently, only one cornea is available for every 70 patients requiring one to regain their sight.

“This achievement marks a turning point for regenerative ophthalmology—a moment of real hope for millions living with corneal blindness,” expressed Aryeh Batt, co-founder and CEO of Precise Bio. He emphasized the significance of this procedure, which involved the first-ever lab-manufactured corneal implant from cultured human cells.

The groundbreaking surgery took place on October 29, successfully restoring sight to a patient who had been legally blind. Dr. Michael Mimouni, the director of the cornea unit at Rambam Medical Center in Israel, who performed the operation, described the experience as "unforgettable," highlighting a promising future where no one has to suffer in darkness due to a lack of donor tissue.

The newly developed implant, known as PB-001, aims to replicate the natural optical clarity and bio-mechanical properties of a true cornea. Previous tests in animal models have shown that this advanced graft can seamlessly integrate with the patient’s own tissue. This is particularly vital since the outer layer of the eye often becomes clouded due to various conditions, impacting vision.

Currently, PB-001 is undergoing a single-arm phase 1 trial in Israel, targeting 10 to 15 participants suffering from fluid buildup in the cornea. Precise Bio is excited to share top-line results from this study in the latter half of 2026, which will assess the effectiveness of the implant over six months.

The corneas are designed to be compatible with existing surgical tools and procedures, ensuring they can be easily utilized in medical settings. They are shipped under long-term cryopreservation and are ready for implantation, simplifying the surgical process.

“The potential of PB-001 to provide a reliable and effective corneal replacement addresses one of ophthalmology’s most pressing challenges,” said Dr. Anthony Atala, co-founder of Precise Bio and director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. He conveyed optimism about the future of transplant medicine, stating that the ability to produce patient-ready tissue on demand could revolutionize the field.

This remarkable development shines a light on the incredible possibilities within regenerative medicine, fostering hope and joy for those affected by vision loss.