Skip to content
Review Open access

New pharmacological and biotechnological approaches for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy: From growth factors to gene therapy.

Aug 2026 · Indian Journal of Ophthalmology · 0 citations
Medicine

TL;DR

This review aims to provide an integrated and pathophysiology-oriented synthesis of NK management, uniquely bridging pharmacological treatments with emerging biotechnological strategies including gene therapy, cell-based approaches, and novel drug delivery systems.

Abstract

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a serious ocular surface disease that develops due to a reduction or loss of corneal innervation. Conventional therapeutic approaches, such as the use of artificial tears and autologous serum, primarily serve as symptomatic relief measures and do not target the underlying neurodegenerative process. The introduction of recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF, cenegermin) has marked the first disease-modifying pharmacological therapy for NK, providing evidence of enhanced epithelial healing and improved corneal sensitivity. In recent years, with biotechnological advancements and the emergence of genetic therapy strategies, the importance of pathophysiology-oriented treatments in NK therapy has increased. The objective of this review is to offer an analysis of the management of NK in the context of recent pharmacological and biotechnological advancements in the light of current literature. This review aims to provide an integrated and pathophysiology-oriented synthesis of NK management, uniquely bridging pharmacological treatments with emerging biotechnological strategies including gene therapy, cell-based approaches, and novel drug delivery systems.

Read PDF

Similar papers

Open access Jul 2026

Encapsulated cell technology delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor to promote JAK/STAT-dependent photoreceptor survival in retinal degeneration

A therapeutic dose-response relationship linking NT-501–derived CNTF levels to JAK/STAT3 activation and photoreceptor protection in human retinal tissue is established, and an optimal concentration range for efficacy is suggested.

Yasuaki Iwama, Leia Laughlin, S. Harkins-Perry et al. · 0 citations
Case report Aug 2026

[Use of recombinant nerve growth factor in the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis associated with ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome)].

Treatment of neurotrophic keratitis (NTK) remains one of the challenges in ophthalmology. This article presents a case of successful use of recombinant nerve growth factor in the treatment of NK in a child with ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome), type 2. The child had blepharospasm and extensive corneal epithelial defects with superficial vascularization in both eyes since birth. Despite local trophic therapy, the erosions persisted. The child was diagnosed with the systemic condition «ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome), type 2». Despite long-term trophic therapy, corneal epithelial defects in both eyes persisted. Due to the ineffectiveness of standard treatment, the patient was prescribed cenegermin drug. Complete epithelialization of the epithelial defects was observed by day 34 of specific neurotrophic therapy, and a reliable corneal pain response appeared during the cotton wisp test. Complete restoration of the epithelial layer and corneal sensitivity persisted two months after completion of the treatment course. The use of the drug cenegermin effectively restored the epithelium and corneal sensitivity in long-persisting corneal erosions in a child with ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome).

A. V. Sergeeva, E. L. Sorokin · 0 citations
Review Open access Jul 2026

Immunomodulatory and regenerative potential of mesenchymal stem cells in recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A narrative review

Background: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa characterized by recurrent, painful ulcerations with an etiology that is not yet fully understood. Immunological, genetic, and environmental factors play significant roles in its pathogenesis. Conventional therapies, such as topical corticosteroids, antiseptics, and anti-inflammatory agents, are primarily symptomatic, providing temporary relief from pain and inflammation without addressing the underlying immune dysregulation or promoting mucosal regeneration. These limitations have led to increasing interest in novel therapeutic approaches, including Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC)–based therapy, which offers potential immunomodulatory and regenerative effects. Purpose: This narrative review aims to integrate and discuss the existing evidence regarding the immunomodulatory and tissue-repair roles of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), with a focus on underlying biological mechanisms and current research gaps. Review: The current literature indicates that MSC-mediated immunomodulation in RAS is primarily inferred from preclinical models, in which reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased secretion of growth factors have been observed. Although these findings support a mechanistic rationale for MSC involvement in epithelial repair, direct and consistent evidence of ulcer healing and inflammation resolution remains limited. Translational application of these findings is constrained by heterogeneity in experimental designs and a lack of well-controlled clinical studies. Conclusion: RAS remains a chronic inflammatory condition without a definitive curative treatment. MSC-based therapies demonstrate promising dual immunomodulatory and regenerative potential; however, further clinical studies are required to establish safety, optimal delivery methods, and long-term efficacy.

Vemilia Pasha Hawini, Iswerya Bala Subramaniam, Andari Sarasati et al. · 0 citations
Review Open access Jul 2026

Biological Skin Rejuvenation in the Regenerative Era: Clinical Applications of Exosomes and Polynucleotides in Modern Dermatology

Regenerative dermatology has emerged as a transformative field that integrates advances in regenerative medicine, molecular biology, and aesthetic dermatology to promote tissue repair through biological rather than purely corrective mechanisms. Among the most promising innovations, exosomes and polynucleotides have attracted considerable scientific attention because of their ability to stimulate fibroblast activity, enhance collagen synthesis, regulate inflammatory responses, promote angiogenesis, and improve extracellular matrix remodeling. The objective of this review was to analyze the current scientific evidence regarding the biological foundations, clinical applications, therapeutic effectiveness, safety profile, and future perspectives of these next-generation regenerative therapies. A narrative literature review was conducted following the scientific method using peer-reviewed publications from major biomedical databases. The available evidence demonstrates encouraging results in facial rejuvenation, photoaging, scar remodeling, chronic wound healing, periocular rejuvenation, and hair restoration, with improvements in skin quality and high patient satisfaction while maintaining a favorable short-term safety profile. Nevertheless, important methodological limitations remain, including heterogeneous treatment protocols, limited randomized clinical trials, and insufficient long-term follow-up. Continued international collaboration, standardized manufacturing processes, rigorous regulatory frameworks, and high-quality multicenter clinical studies will be essential to establish evidence-based therapeutic guidelines and consolidate regenerative dermatology as a mature clinical discipline.

F. Camilo, J. Contreras, A. Clemente et al. · 0 citations

We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads. See our Cookie Policy.