Artificial cornea implant aims to restore sight in the blind
NCT ID NCT05694247
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tested a device called the CorNeat KPro, an artificial cornea, in 15 legally blind adults who could not get a standard cornea transplant. The goal was to see if the implant is safe and can improve vision. The study was terminated early, so full results are not available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- CorNeat KPro (artificial cornea implant)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this device could offer a new option to restore vision in people with corneal blindness who cannot have a standard cornea transplant.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, early trial that was terminated, so results are limited. The device may fail to stay in place or cause complications like infection or rejection.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2024
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female aged ≥ 21 and ≤ 80 years on the day of screening 2. Candidates must have the ability and willingness to attend all scheduled visits and comply with all study procedures 3. Legally blind (BCVA of 6/120 or worse in the better eye) in one or two eyes. In case of unilateral blindness - BCVA of Counting Fingers (CF) from 1 meter or worse in the operated eye 4. Keratoprosthesis surgery is indicated in cases when keratoplasty is not a reasonable option or following a verifiable history of prior failed corneal transplantation. 5. Indications that fall under poor candidate for keratoplasty include but are not limited to: herpetic keratitis, vascularized corneal scar, Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid, alkali burn, Steven Johnson Syndrome, and limbal stem cell deficiency; 6. Adequate tear film and lid function 7. Perception of light in all quadrants 8. Female patients of childbearing age must have negative pregnancy test at screening and agree to use an effective method of contraception throughout the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Reasonable chance of success with traditional keratoplasty 2. Current retinal detachment 3. Connective tissue diseases or severely scarred conjunctiva in the target eye 4. End stage glaucoma or evidence of current uncontrolled glaucoma 5. History or evidence of severe inflammatory eye diseases (i.e. conjunctivitis, uveitis, retinitis, scleritis) 6. Active inflammation of the conjunctiva in one or both eyes 7. History of ocular or periocular malignancy 8. History of extensive keloid formation 9. Any known intolerance or hypersensitivity to topical anaesthetics, mydriatics, or component of the device 10. Ocular ischemic syndrome 11. Signs of current infection, including fever and current treatment with antibiotics 12. Severe generalized disease that results in a life expectancy shorter than two years 13. Any clinical evidence that the investigator feels would place the subject at increased risk with the placement of the device 14. Corneal thickness less than 400 or higher than 1,200 microns in any region of the pachymetry map of the eye intended to be operated 15. Currently pregnant or breastfeeding 16. Participation in any study involving an investigational drug or device within the past 30 days or 5 half-lives of the drug (whichever longer) or ongoing participation in a study with an investigational drug or device 17. Intraoperative complication that would preclude implantation of the study device 18. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) higher than 8% at screening indicating unbalanced diabetes and/or target organ damage associated with diabetes 19. Patients requiring anticoagulation treatment, which cannot be interrupted for the surgical procedure 20. Vulnerable populations - minors, pregnant women, prisoners, sponsor or study institution employees, military persons, terminally ill, comatose, physically and intellectually challenged individuals, institutionalized patients and refugees 21. Subjects with corneal disorders located outside the central 7 mm, such as Mooren ulcer, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, and necrotizing herpetic keratitis (if located outside the central 7 mm of the cornea) 22. Patients with a functioning trabeculectomy or existing Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) device that shunts aqueous from the anterior chamber into the subconjunctival space
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Amsterdam UMC - Location AMC
Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Netherlands
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CHU de Montpellier
Montpellier, 34295, France
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Hopital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
Paris, France
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Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson
Petah Tikva, Israel, 4941492, Israel
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UHN - University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
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University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 3N9, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- German eye registry reveals shifting trends in corneal transplants
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- New eye test could unlock secrets of ocular pain