Key Takeaways

  • A recently published peer-reviewed article highlights the use of Biovance Ocular decellularized basement membrane (DBM) in almost 1,000 patients with neurotrophic keratitis (NK).
  • The study found that corneal epithelial resolution occurred in all eyes with complete follow-up.
  • The lead author believes Biovance Ocular (DefEYE) DBM products can be a first-line approach to NK when corneal sensitivity has been compromised and documented.

DefEYE announced the publication of a peer-reviewed article authored by Brandon Ayres, MD; Nicole Fram, MD; Lisa Feulner, MD, PhD; Helen Wu, MD; and Neel Desai, MD, highlighting the use of Biovance Ocular decellularized basement membrane (DBM) in almost 1,000 patients with neurotrophic keratitis (NK).

“At DefEYE, we remain committed to generating high-quality clinical evidence that helps physicians intervene earlier and preserve vision. Our goal is to provide eye care professionals with scientifically validated differentiated technologies. The recent publication, authored by leading cornea specialists, further strengthens the growing body of clinical evidence supporting serial application of decellularized basement membrane clinical management of early neurotrophic keratitis by supporting reduced corneal staining, increasing corneal sensitivity and lowering of elevated clinical biomarkers,” said Rob Sambursky, MD, chief executive officer of DefEYE.

The article, entitled “Retrospective Evaluation of Successive Biovance Decellularized Basement Membrane Tissue Grafts for the Management of Chronic Subclinical and Stage 1 Neurotrophic Keratitis,” published in Clinical Ophthalmology, demonstrated outcomes of serial placement of Biovance Ocular DBM grafts in patients with subclinical or Mackie Stage 1 NK.

“Neurotrophic keratitis is likely more prevalent than we believe. Should we conduct the appropriate corneal sensitivity testing at patient presentation of symptoms, I believe we will uncover more patients for whom we can intervene sooner, particularly with interventional approaches such as decellularized basement membrane,” said Dr. Ayres. “With corneal epithelial resolution occurring in all eyes with complete follow-up in this study, and seeing functional corneal sensitivity improvement along with high rates of osmolarity normalization and reduction in MMP-9 positivity, I believe Biovance Ocular decellularized basement membrane products can be a first-line approach to NK, so long as corneal sensitivity has been compromised and documented.”

Study highlights:

  • Corneal epithelial resolution occurred in all eyes with complete follow-up.
  • Functional corneal sensitivity improved in 0.7% of Brill 3, 31.6% of Brill 4, and 77.5% of Brill 5 eyes.
  • Mean DBM use increased with disease severity (Brill 3: 3.70; Brill 4: 3.08; Brill 5: 4.30 grafts). Among eyes with abnormal baseline osmolarity, 70% to 82% normalized following treatment.
  • MMP-9 positivity decreased across all severity groups, with 56% to 66% converting to negative, corresponding with improved ocular surface stability.

In addition to the peer-reviewed article, Dr. Ayres will present a poster entitled “Neurotrophic Keratitis Is Likely Underdiagnosed: Evidence From a Large Real-World Cohort” at the upcoming AAO Meeting, October 10 – 12, 2026, in New Orleans, LA.