About
With unwavering dedication, our team of scientists embarks on a mission to bring sight-restoring therapies to those in need, transforming lives and rekindling the light of vision.
Our Story
Innovative cell-based tissue engineering therapies are among the most promising approaches for many diseases such as limbal stem cell deficiency (e.i. serious medical condition that leads to corneal blindness) that cannot be treated efficiently through conventional methods. However, in Europe, only one product in the field has been commercialised due to challenges in providing biomimetic microenvironment to the cells in vitro, sourcing cells and the high costs associated with their manufacturing processes. In order to eliminate / reduce the drawbacks of the manufacturing of cellular therapy products for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), Limbustem’s founding team has been working on the development of an in vitro cultured limbal epithelial cellular therapy product for over 15 years. The team has completed all stages of the product development process (in vitro, in vivo, clinical research) in the academy, and the technical knowledge (know-how) of this product has been created by the team. During the product development process, the founding team has received funds mainly from The Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Turkiye (TUBITAK) which is the main public / governmental funding agency that supports scientific research and development projects for both academic institutes and industrial corporations. The founding team has received an academic research grant (1001 program), which is the most prestigious program in academia, from TUBITAK in 2011 to complete preclinical (in vitro, in vivo) stages of the in vitro cultured limbal epithelial cellular therapy product. The project has been successfully completed and the outcomes have been published in international journals. After completing preclinical stages, the founding team has received another academic research grant (1005 program), which supports the research for potential commercial products, from TUBITAK in 2015 to complete clinical research of the developed in vitro cultured limbal epithelial cellular therapy product. The founding team has successfully completed clinical research (treated 10 patients using the developed product) and the outcomes have been published in the journal of BMC Ophthalmology. After all these stages (in vitro, in vivo and clinical research) have been completed in academia, the spin-off company Limbustem has been established by the founding team members (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ophthalmologist Ozlem Barut Selver and Dr. Bioengineer Mehmet Gurdal) in 2020 in order to initiate the commercialization stage of the developed in vitro cultured limbal epithelial cellular therapy product. The spin-off company Limbustem has been supported by public funding agency TUBITAK. Limbustem has received industrial grants (€500,000) from TUBITAK in order to continue research and development activities since it was established. One of these grants is the 1501 Industrial R&D Projects Grant Programme, which is the most
prestigious program in industry. Limbustem has been also entitled to receive mentoring services within the scope of the Ege University Deep Tech Program funded by the European Union (EU) since 2023 in order to improve the commercialization capacity of the company. Also, one of this project’s in vivo studies of amniotic membrane extract involved in early TRL development was awarded a major national research prize in medicine earlier this year.
As limbustem focuses on manufacturing of cellular therapy products and the products originated from biological materials, Limbustem needs to produce its products in the legally licensed GMP laboratories. Currently, Limbustem has an agreement with Stembio Cord Blood Cell and Tissue Center in Turkey to produce and release its products to the market.
In brief, Limbustem’s mission is to revolutionise eye care through the development and delivery of cutting-edge medical treatments for ocular surface diseases. The company is dedicated to advancing the field of ophthalmology by delivering innovative treatments that improve vision, enhance quality of life, and offer hope to patients worldwide. Its commitment to excellence pushes the boundaries of science and technology, ensuring that every treatment it develops meets the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and patient care. By collaborating with healthcare professionals, researchers, and the global community, it strives to make a lasting impact on eye health and contribute to a future where clear vision is a reality for everyone.
Meet the Team
Learn more about LimbuStem team members!
