[An eye. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

Researchers at the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) succeeded in establishing a new drug that restores damaged eyesight for the first time in the world.

The breakthrough, announced on March 30, 2025, offers hope to hundreds of millions suffering from degenerative retinal diseases. 

As vision is considered as one of the most essential human senses, the research of developing recovery damage vision has been continued worldwide.

Despite numerous attempts in many countries to find treatments for degenerative retinal diseases, effective solutions have remained elusive until now.

The KAIST research team, led by Professor Jinwoo Kim from the Department of Biological Sciences, discovered a revolutionary approach.

They administered substances that block PROX1 protein activity, which normally suppresses retinal regeneration into retinal tissue in model mice.

The results were remarkable as the treatment induced visual recovery and nerve regeneration in retinal tissue, these effects persisting for more than six months. 

This groundbreaking result demonstrates that blocking PROX1 could activate regenerative pathways previously dormant in the mammalian retina. 

PROX1 protein is found in neurons of the retina, hippocampus, and spinal cord, where it suppresses neural stem cell proliferation and promotes differentiation into neurons.

The KAIST team identified that PROX1 is an inhibitor of Müller glia dedifferentiation in mammals through this experiment. 

This discovery is particularly important because mammalian retinas have been unable to regenerate once damaged, unlike certain other animals.

Cold-blooded animals can regenerate damaged retinas through dedifferentiation of Müller glia cells into neural progenitor cells, which creates new neurons, but mammals lack this ability.

Project researcher Dr. Eun Jung Lee said, "We are finalizing improvements to the efficacy of the PROX1-neutralizing antibody (CLZ001) and aim to complete vision restoration efficacy and safety evaluations in multiple animal models before administering it to retinal disease patients. Our goal is to provide a real solution for patients at risk of blindness who currently lack proper treatment options."

The retinal regeneration treatment is being developed by Celiaz company for application to several degenerative retinal diseases, and it aims to enter clinical trials by 2028. 

Currently, over 300 million people worldwide face the risk of vision loss due to various retinal diseases previously considered untreatable.

The KAIST research team’s discovery became a little comfort in people who lived their life with depression and hopelessness due to vision impairment. 

This discovery, with continued research and development, is expected to offer a solution that transforms life for millions suffering from vision impairment. 

Many people are looking for vision treatments that can be used in the medical field, allowing patients to regain their vision and experience the beautiful world once again.