Researchers develop vision-restoring therapy through retinal regeneration

Researchers at KAIST have developed a groundbreaking therapy that restores vision by regenerating damaged retinal nerves, acccording to SciTechDaily. Led by Professor Jin Woo Kim, the team successfully reversed vision loss in disease-model mice by blocking the PROX1 protein, which hinders retinal repair.

This marks the first time long-term retinal regeneration has been achieved in mammals, with effects lasting over six months. The therapy works by using an antibody to neutralize extracellular PROX1, enabling Müller glia cells to regenerate neural tissue. The antibody, developed by Celliaz Inc.—a KAIST biotech startup—showed significant results in mice with retinitis pigmentosa.

Currently, no treatments exist to restore vision lost due to degenerative retinal diseases, which affect over 300 million people globally. KAIST’s discovery offers new hope, especially as the aging population grows. The treatment is undergoing optimization and preclinical studies, with clinical trials planned by 2028.