Findings demonstrate corneal epithelial resolution in all eyes with complete follow-up,
supporting DBM as an earlier intervention option for NK patients
Sarasota, FL – August 18, 2026 – DefEYE, Inc., a privately held ophthalmics company focused on innovative placental-based biologic solutions for ocular surface disease and surgical applications, today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed article authored by Drs. Brandon Ayres, Nicole Fram, Lisa Feulner, Helen Wu, and Neel Desai, highlighting the use of Biovance® Ocular decellularized basement membrane (DBM) in almost 1000 patients suffering from 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, Inc.
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 and authored by Brandon Ayres, MD and colleagues¹, demonstrated outcomes of serial placement of Biovance Ocular decellularized basement membrane graft 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 Brandon Ayres, MD. “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.”
Key highlights from the study:
- 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 utilization increased with disease severity (Brill 3: 3.70; Brill 4: 3.08; Brill 5: 4.30 grafts). Among eyes with abnormal baseline osmolarity, 70–82% normalized following treatment.
- MMP-9 positivity decreased across all severity groups, with 56–66% 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 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Meeting to be held from October 10 – 12, 2026 in New Orleans, LA.
You can find DefEYE at the AAO Meeting in the Exhibit Hall at Booth #1404.
About DefEYE, Inc.
DefEYE, Inc. is a rapidly growing ocular company on a mission to transform and personalize therapeutic approaches in eye care. The company focuses on delivering a portfolio of innovative decellularized biologic solutions that optimize treatment and management of various eye care conditions, including ocular surface diseases, pterygium surgery, and other surgical interventions. To learn more, visit www.defeye.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Phillips
Amy.Phillips@launchlabpartners.com
412.327.9499
References
- Ayres BD, Fram NR, Wu HK, Feulner L, Desai NR. Retrospective Evaluation of Successive Biovance® Decellularized Basement Membrane Tissue Grafts for the Management of Chronic Subclinical and Stage 1 Neurotrophic Keratitis. Clin Ophthalmol. 2026;20:599498
