Vietnamese company develops pig cornea graft technology to help up to 500,000 patients with corneal disease

Gaps between supply and demand in Vietnam’s ophthalmology sector are acute. In the 2023–2025 period, about 300 corneas have been collected to support corneal transplant surgeries, a figure that remains well below domestic demand. Corneal transplantation is difficult to scale widely because domestic donor sources are limited.

Vietnam’s ophthalmology sector is also facing mounting pressure for graft materials. Regulatory data cited in the article indicate that the country currently has nearly 500,000 people blind due to corneal disease.

Supply constraints and the scale of need

Prof. Dr. Le Xuan Cung, Head of the Cornea Department at the National Eye Hospital, said that while corneas are being collected for transplants, the volume is still modest relative to demand. He added that transplants are hard to deploy widely due to limited domestic donation.

Biologic pig-derived cornea material to address the gap

To help close the supply gap, Gen and T cells Vietnam Joint Stock Company (VGCT) and partner Acro Biomedical introduced a biologic cornea material derived from pigs.

Dr. Dar-Jen Hsieh, CEO of Acro Biomedical, described the scientific rationale: pig sclera has dimensions similar to humans and a histological structure that is comparable. He said that while human donor corneas can trigger graft rejection, pig corneas that have been decellularized have a controlled risk profile.

The approach is intended to create a biologically inert scaffold, reducing reliance on immunosuppressive drugs.

Clinical and technical evidence cited

International clinical data were referenced by Dr. Xiaoming Yao of Shenzhen Eye Hospital in China. He cited a study involving 19 patients with corneal injuries, stating that the 12-month follow-up showed a graft survival rate of 94.7%, equivalent to 18 out of 19 patients regaining functional vision.

Dr. Chen Jiunn-Liang of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan also cited experience treating complex cases of scleral calcification, confirming that pig-derived material preserves mechanical stability and can cover damaged areas.

Regulatory status in Vietnam

Regarding implementation in Vietnam, Dr. Vuong Anh Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment (Ministry of Health), confirmed that the application for marketing authorization of the pig cornea material has been submitted to the ministry.

Economic and sector impact

From an economic and social perspective, ensuring adequate transplant tissues is described as a medical milestone that can also unlock labor capacity and support growth for Vietnam’s biomedical sector.

Ms. Dang Thi Tuoi, Deputy General Director of VGCT, said the company is implementing the “three-house” model of Resolution 57 in collaboration with Institutes, Universities, and the Ministry of Health, particularly the National Eye Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital, and multiple ophthalmology facilities nationwide.

VGCT, established in 2018 under CT Group, operates in cell and gene technology. The company aims to develop biomedical products to USFDA safety standards for clinical use in Vietnam.