Baptist Health Eye and Surgery Center Among Select Group Participating in Corneal Endothelial Cell Therapy Trial

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –  Baptist Health Eye and Surgery Center is among 12 sites nationwide selected to participate in a pivotal Phase 3 trial for a first-of-its-kind, investigational cell therapy called AURN001. This trial, sponsored by Aurion Biotech, aims to treat corneal edema (swelling) resulting from corneal endothelial dysfunction, which has historically required invasive surgery.

Dr. Christian Hester and Dr. Severin Pouly have partnered with Baptist Health to lead this research locally, bringing this cutting-edge, investigational regenerative medicine to patients in Arkansas.

For decades, the standard of care for patients suffering from corneal endothelial cell loss – a condition where the inner layer of the cornea stops pumping fluid properly – has been a corneal transplant. Because these specialized cells do not regenerate naturally, patients were forced to rely on a limited supply of donor tissues and underwent complex surgical procedures with long recovery times.

This new therapy is revolutionary because it moves away from "replacing" tissue toward "regenerating" it. The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and potential effectiveness of AURN001 in improving corneal clarity and vision.

Unlike traditional transplants, this investigational therapy is a minimally invasive one-time outpatient procedure. The process involves:

• Targeted Removal: A specialist makes a micro-incision on the side of the cornea to gently remove diseased endothelial cells. 
• Cell Introduction: The study treatment (AURN001) or a control solution is injected into the eye.
• Positioning: The patient must lie face down for a period immediately following the procedure to allow the cells to adhere to the corneal stroma.

The recovery period is a gradual process with most participants noticing improvement over several weeks.

By participating in this select group of trial sites, Baptist Health, alongside Dr. Hester and Dr. Pouly, is at the forefront of a movement that could eliminate the global shortage of donor corneas and provide a more accessible cure for blindness caused by endothelial disease.

Anyone interested in participating in the trial can contact Sheri Specht at (501) 621-1541.

About Baptist Health

Baptist Health, Arkansas' most comprehensive health care organization, has provided high-quality care rooted in Christian compassion and innovation for over a century. As the state's largest private not-for-profit health system, Baptist Health is here For You. For Life. With more than 300 points of access, our extensive network includes 14 hospitals, over 75 primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care centers, a senior living community, and educational programs, including a college for nursing and allied health studies and a graduate residency program. Supported by approximately 12,000 employees and renowned physicians, we deliver groundbreaking treatments and impactful community outreach programs. Baptist Health is proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work and was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces in 2026. To learn more, visit Baptist-Health.org, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Stay connected with us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.