Lineage launches allogeneic cell therapy program in corneal endothelial disease

California-based biotech Lineage Cell Therapeutics announced the expansion of its cell transplant pipeline with the launch of COR1, a new corneal endothelial cell (CEnC) therapy program, in preclinical development for the treatment of corneal endothelial disease.

Utilizing Lineage’s proprietary cell manufacturing and expansion platform, AlloSCOPE (Allogeneic, Scalable, Consistent, Off-the-shelf, Pluripotent cell Engineering), the company has manufactured off-the-shelf corneal endothelial cells with identity, morphological and functional characteristics which meet initial internal criteria and support further development. Lineage now plans to advance this new product candidate into preclinical testing.

Corneal endothelial disease is a progressive, often hereditary condition where cells on the inner layer of the cornea die, causing cornea swelling and vision loss.

CEnC therapy from cadaveric sources has been approved in Japan to treat corneal endothelial disease. Utilizing this clinical and regulatory precedent, Lineage aims to develop a more consistent and cost-effective product that could address the global shortage of donor cells. 

“Millions of people are candidates for corneal transplants for which today there is only one donor for every 70 diseased eyes globally. The current supply of CEnC’s from cadaveric sources is further limited by the low availability of organ donors, as well as by inconsistent yield and quality,” said Brian M. Culley, Lineage CEO.