Vivek Singh

Over the past decade, Dr. Singh’s team had the privilege of serving as a dedicated Scientists at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, where his research focus has been on the innovative use of Stem cells and Biomaterials to combat corneal blindness. Notably, his team achieved a significant milestone by being the pioneers in India to develop a reliable and highly relevant animal model of corneal scarring and Limbal stem cell Deficiency (LSCD). This exceptional model accurately mimics human disease and has emerged as an invaluable tool for evaluating novel therapeutics (PMID: 32735950; 31095932). In his relentless pursuit of advancing ocular science, Dr Singh’s studies have played a crucial role in unraveling the underlying mechanisms driving disease progression in patients with Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Additionally, his team has successfully identified early protein markers that hold promise as potential therapeutic targets for this rare fatal disease (PMID: 34531438; 35460363; 32835747). One of our most significant breakthroughs has come from his research on simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET), which has provided compelling proof-of-concept for achieving long-term homeostasis of the corneal epithelium in LSCD patients (PMID: 26896125; 29283123; 29453224). Furthermore, his work on meticulous optimization of minimal limbal tissue dimensions required for optimal regeneration has greatly bolstered the clinical translation of the SLET technique (PMID: 28957444). In our continued commitment to advancing patient care, his team is currently conducting a prospective open-label academic randomized controlled clinical trial on the Safety and efficacy of collagenase application in ocular burns (CTRI/2021/08/035994). In recognition of their groundbreaking research and pioneering contributions to ophthalmic regenerative medicine, Singh’s team has demonstrated the remarkable potency of limbal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation for treating superficial corneal pathologies. With a strong foundation of scientific evidence from multiple influential publications (PMID: 36980217; 35897793; IN201741020290; WO/2018/225042) and secured DCGI approval, their innovative cell-based therapy has paved the way for a transformative clinical trial (CTRI/2021/07/035034 & CTRI/2020/07/026891). Notably, their efforts have addressed critical challenges in the accessibility and affordability of MSC therapies for remote patients in India by developing a reliable, low-cost encapsulation method (PMID: 31740778). Furthermore, the team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ethical considerations, overcoming potential graft rejection and zoonotic disease risks through the development of a xenofree and serum-free method for limbal MSC culture (PMID: 37061739). Through their pioneering spirit and rigorous efforts, Singh’s team has successfully completed two stem cell-based clinical trials, making history as the first in India and the world to complete a regulated stem cell-based clinical trial in ophthalmology. Their groundbreaking discoveries have not only opened new avenues in preventing corneal blindness by inhibiting scar formation but also hold great promise in revolutionizing the future of ocular regenerative therapies. Dr Singh’s exceptional achievements and dedication to improving the lives of countless corneal blind patients, and their exceptional contributions to the advancement of ophthalmic medicine will have long-lasting effects in coming decades." "In recognition of their outstanding efforts to promote and disseminate cutting-edge technology in ophthalmic regenerative medicine, Dr. Singh's visionary team, in collaboration with LVPEI Clinician, has been spearheading the organization of the prestigious International Workshop on 'Ocular Surface' for an impressive decade. This unparalleled workshop has served as a global platform, nurturing knowledge exchange and skill development among clinicians and scientists from around the world. We are working toward the development of early DED diagnostics, natural tear supplements, and a 3-D lacrimal gland tissue construct to address DED (PMID:1032835747). Dr Singh’s team has also developed an animal model of DED to widen our understanding of disease pathophysiology as well as to evaluate new therapeutics (IOVS 2023;64(8):179 & IOVS 2023;64(8):692). Dr Singh’s team has developed a biomimetic corneal ECM hydrogel that prevents corneal scarring & enables corneal regeneration, neuronal growth, and restoration of corneal transparency. Currently, his team is working towards clinical translation of the biomimetic corneal ECM hydrogel supported by the Sree Padmavathi Venkateswara Foundation. In addition, his team is also working in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and CCMB Hyderabad and has bio-printed 3D cornea using human ECM hydrogel as bio-ink for the treatment of corneal blindness and successfully completed its first animal testing.