Autologous and allogeneic serum eye drops. The Dutch perspective

If regular artificial tears are ineffective for treatment of ocular surface disorders (including extreme dry eye syndrome), serum eye drops (SEDs) may provide a way to relieve the symptoms. However, not all patients are eligible to donate blood to produce autologous SEDs. Therefore, the use of allogeneic SEDs (obtained from voluntary blood donors) should be explored as an alternative for autologous SEDs. The Dutch blood bank organization is currently looking into the possibilities to provide allogeneic SEDs, as (GMP) regulations become stricter, making it for hospitals more difficult to provide autologous SEDs. To demonstrate effectiveness of both autologous and allogeneic SEDs, a clinical trial is planned. The current status of SEDs in The Netherlands is described. This paper is based on summary of the presentation given at the DGTI meeting in Dresden.