Decellularized Amniotic Membrane Offers Alternative for Neurotrophic Keratitis

Patients may have trouble accessing Oxervate, but other treatments are available, says expert.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:54pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray image revealing the delicate, intricate structure of the human cornea, glowing translucent against a dark background, conceptually representing the medical challenges of treating neurotrophic keratitis.Decellularized amniotic membrane offers a new treatment option for patients struggling to access the only FDA-approved drug for neurotrophic keratitis.Today in Miami

In a video interview, Dr. Neel R. Desai of the Eye Institute of West Florida discusses how decellularized amniotic membrane can be an effective treatment option for patients with neurotrophic keratitis when access to the drug Oxervate is limited.

Why it matters

Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare and serious eye condition that can lead to corneal scarring and vision loss if left untreated. While Oxervate is the only FDA-approved drug for the condition, access issues have prompted clinicians to explore alternative therapies like decellularized amniotic membrane.

The details

According to Desai, many patients with stage 1, 2 or even 3 neurotrophic keratitis have seen improvements after receiving a Biovance 3L membrane (DefEYE) treatment, sometimes negating the need for Oxervate even after it has been approved. This alternative approach has been a 'really eye-opening experience for both clinicians and patients'.

  • The video interview with Dr. Desai was published on April 13, 2026.

The players

Neel R. Desai, MD

An ophthalmologist at the Eye Institute of West Florida who specializes in treating neurotrophic keratitis.

Biovance 3L membrane (DefEYE)

A decellularized amniotic membrane product that can be used as an alternative treatment for neurotrophic keratitis when access to the drug Oxervate is limited.

Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj)

The only FDA-approved drug for treating neurotrophic keratitis, manufactured by Dompé.

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What they’re saying

“Many times, we will place a Biovance 3L membrane (DefEYE) on a patient with stage 1, stage 2 or even stage 3 [neurotrophic keratitis], and we're finding that by the time Oxervate has been approved, they don't need it anymore.”

— Neel R. Desai, MD, Ophthalmologist, Eye Institute of West Florida

The takeaway

The limited access to the only FDA-approved drug for neurotrophic keratitis has prompted clinicians to explore alternative treatments like decellularized amniotic membrane, which have shown promising results in helping patients avoid the need for Oxervate in some cases.