NCT07729137 · Emmecell
Study of EO2002 in Subjects With Corneal Edema Secondary to Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction
(EMERALD)
What this study is about
This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a single injection of EO2002 at one of two dose levels (150,000 or 500,000 magnetic human corneal endothelial cells \[mHCECs\]), compared with a placebo injection, in participants with corneal edema caused by corneal endothelial dysfunction.
View original scientific description
This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a single injection of EO2002 at one of two dose levels (150,000 or 500,000 magnetic human corneal endothelial cells \[mHCECs\]), compared with a placebo injection, in participants with corneal edema caused by corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
150K cells
Intracameral injection - 150K dose
BIOLOGICAL
500K cells
Intracameral injection - 500K dose
PROCEDURE
Placebo
Intracameral injection of vehicle
Primary outcome measures
BCVA
Time frame: 26 weeks
Proportion of study eyes achieving ≥ 15-letter best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement at 26 weeks post-treatment as compared to baseline.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Symptomatic central corneal edema that is primarily responsible for loss of vision associated with endothelial dysfunction which may be secondary to Fuchs corneal dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.
- Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)-best-corrected distance visual acuity between 20 and 65 letters inclusive (≥ 20 and ≤ 65 letters)
- Central corneal thickness ≥ 600 μm and ≤ 1,000 μm, OR Medical Monitor review and approval based on either:
- Historical CCT increased by ≥ 50 μm OR
- Findings of edema by corneal tomography or Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT).
- Participant is considered a surgical candidate for full-thickness corneal transplantation or endothelial (partial thickness) keratoplasty (EK) consistent with standard-of-care indications. Key
Exclusion criteria
- Corneal disease in either eye (other than corneal endothelial dysfunction secondary to Fuchs dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy) including active or prior herpetic ocular infection, severe dry eye disease (e.g., Sjogren's), or active inflammation.
- Central corneal scarring from trauma, burns, or infection, or band keratopathy
- History of keratoconus or other corneal ectasia (e.g., keratoglobus and pellucid marginal degeneration).
- Visually significant cataract, that may limit the participant's ability to demonstrate treatment-related improvement in BCVA.
- Presence of an anterior chamber, sutured, or scleral-fixated intraocular lens.
- Presence of a multifocal or diffractive intraocular lens.
- Prior vitrectomy.
- Corneal refractive surgery.
- Descemet dettachment
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), intraocular pressure (IOP)- lowering implant (e.g., Durysta® or iDose®), or any incisional glaucoma surgery (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage implant).
Where
- Torrance, California
- Largo, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Carmel, Indiana
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Minnetonka, Minnesota
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Garden City, New York
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations