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Cellular Research and Therapeutics

Network

Advancing the Future of Vision Restoration.

Launched in 2025, Advancing Sight Network’s Cellular Research and Therapeutics Division delivers high-quality human ocular cells to support cutting-edge scientific discovery. The division provides researchers with access to normal and disease-specific primary human ocular cells, supporting the development of advanced cellular models that enable drug discovery and contribute to the long-term vision of creating transplantable therapies to restore lost eyesight.

Why Partner with Us?

At the Cellular Research and Therapeutics Division, we are uniquely positioned to generate human cells from a wide range of normal and diseased eye tissue—providing researchers with the biological diversity needed to build more predictive, disease-relevant models. We invite you to partner with us in advancing the next generation of ocular drug discovery and regenerative therapies.

  • 1

    Accessibility

    We offer access to diverse, well-characterized, human ocular cells.

  • 2

    Expertise

    Our team offers expertise in developing advanced cellular models for disease research and therapeutic screening.

  • 3

    Opportunities

    We offer opportunities for partners to co-develop innovative tools and translational platforms.

  • 4

    Rapid Tissue Processing

    We minimize the time from donor death to tissue processing—a critical factor in preserving retinal integrity and reducing post-mortem autolysis. Our streamlined workflows ensure consistently high-quality cellular material.

  • 5

    Immediate Availability

    Unlike prospective tissue collection, which can take months or even years, our ocular cells and samples are ready for immediate use—accelerating research timelines and eliminating delays.

  • 6

    Certified & Globally Recognized

    We operate one of the world’s few certified, ISBER-registered ocular biobanks. Our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Gregory Grossman, currently serves as President of the ISBER Board of Directors, helping set global standards in biobanking. Samples are authorized for genetic research and commercial use.

  • 7

    Uncompromising Quality

    With a dedicated team led by a fellowship-trained vision scientist, we maintain rigorous standards at every step—from recovery through delivery. Our research-first focus ensures consistently high-quality cells and data integrity.

Leadership

Dr. Deborah Mai, PhD

Cellular and Platform Senior Strategic Lead

Dr. Deborah Mai leads the Cellular Research and Therapeutics Division at Advancing Sight Network. She is responsible for developing ocular cell models for drug testing and creating transplantable cellular therapies for eye disease.

Read Full Bio

What We Offer

On-Demand Human Ocular Samples

Through the Precision Ocular Biobank, one of the world’s few certified ocular biobanks, more than 2,500 human ocular samples are available on demand.

  • Authorized for both genetic research and for-profit use
  • Searchable by eye disease (AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy), donor demographics, medical history, and more
  • Ideal for researchers developing diagnostics, therapies, or targeted treatment strategies

Cells for Ocular Model Development

Our deeply characterized cell lines are the foundation for developing advanced ocular models.

  • Access key ocular cell types, including retinal pigment epithelial cells, choroidal endothelial cells, and corneal cells
  • Support for developing 2D and 3D models, drug screening platforms, organoids, and organ-on-chip systems
  • Collaborative opportunities through the Precision Ocular Biobank for model development or sourcing specific cell types

Interested in Collaborating?

If you are a researcher needing human eye samples (cells and tissues), wishing to partner on projects/grants, or requiring critical resources to support your research goals, please visit our Precision Ocular Biobank platform.

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