Historic breakthrough in ophthalmology and regenerative medicine
Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) is proud to be part of historic breakthrough in ophthalmology and regenerative medicine in Haifa, Israel: the world’s first successful transplantation of a fully 3D-bio-printed, cell-based corneal implant.
In late October 2025, Rambam Eye Institute’s Cornea Unit performed the world’s first transplantation of a fully 3D-bio-fabricated, cell-based corneal implant. The procedure was carried out on a patient who was legally blind in the treated eye, marking the first time anywhere that a corneal implant grown entirely from cultured human corneal cells, rather than donor tissue, has been successfully transplanted in a human being. In this instance, a single cornea from a healthy, deceased donor was cultured in the lab to create and print an additional 300 corneal implants.
Major step toward addressing the global shortage of donor corneas
The implant was manufactured by Precise Bio, an Israeli regenerative medicine company that is developing advanced bio-fabricated tissues using human cells and 3D printing technology. Their platform produces a layered, transparent corneal structure designed to replicate the clarity and function of a healthy human cornea. The successful surgical implantation at Rambam represents a major step toward addressing the global shortage of donor corneas, which prevents millions of people worldwide from receiving sight-restoring treatment.
This first-in-human surgery is part of an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial at Rambam. As part of the clinical trial, Rambam’s physicians are evaluating the safety and tolerability of this new implant in patients with corneal endothelial disease, with early outcomes expected next year.
Professor Michael Mimouni, Director of the Cornea Unit in the Department of Ophthalmology at Rambam, led the surgical team. He explains “For the first time in history, we’ve witnessed a cornea created in the lab, from living human cells, bring sight back to a human being. It was an unforgettable moment—a glimpse into a future where no one will have to live in darkness because of a shortage of donor tissue. This is a game changer.”
The achievement reflects years of scientific development
The achievement reflects years of scientific development, precise clinical planning, and strong collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and industry partners. It also underscores Rambam’s commitment to advancing patient care through innovative therapies with the potential to change lives in Israel and around the world. The first implantation of this lab-grown corneal tissue happened at Rambam, and we are honored to play a leading role in bringing this technology from concept to clinical reality.
Looking ahead, incredible scientific breakthroughs like this will soon have a permanent home in the new Helmsley Health Discovery Tower. Designed to meet the growing demand for complex eye care, this next-generation facility will consolidate clinical services, surgery, training, and research in one integrated place as Rambam’s Eye Institute. The Eye Institute will play a pivotal role in Rambam’s strategic vision to deliver world-class, discovery-driven ophthalmologic care in Northern Israel and beyond.
