1 · Growth factors & blood derivatives
PRP / platelet-rich growth factors (PRGF-Endoret)
Review — modulators of corneal healing › 1 · Growth factors & blood derivatives › PRP / platelet-rich growth factors (PRGF-Endoret)
PRP / platelet-rich growth factors (PRGF-Endoret)
Autologous platelet concentrate (2–5× baseline count) · liquid or fibrin membrane
Oxford II–IV
Weak–Moderate
Present · maturing
Mechanism of actionRelease, upon activation/lysis, of α-granule factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, IGF-1, bFGF, HGF) + fibrin scaffold and adhesion proteins — factor load higher than plain serum. PRGF is leukocyte-poor (less pro-inflammatory).
IndicationsPED, dry eye, neurotrophic keratitis, recurrent erosions, post-surgery, burns; PRGF fibrin membrane as a surgical adjunct (ulcer/perforation).
Route & dosageTopical 4–6×/day for several weeks; concentration/preparation variable (diluted E-PRP, standardized PRGF-Endoret). Membranes applied intraoperatively.
Level of evidenceOxford II–IV / GRADE weak · Scale: Weak–Moderate. A few RCTs + numerous case series; high heterogeneity of protocols.
| FDA | Not approved for the eye — autologous "compounded" procedure / off-label. |
|---|---|
| EU MA | No — blood-derived preparation regulated at the national level. |
| France | EFS circuit / hospital preparation, off-label use. |
| USA | Office-based procedure / prepared biologic, off-label. |
| Asia | Used (India, South Korea…); strong research activity (PRGF: Spain / BTI). |
Key studies: Alió JL et al. (E-PRP series in ocular surface & post-surgery), Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2015 — PMID 26058033; Anitua E et al. (PRGF-Endoret), Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011 — PMID 21613374.
See also: Gabison E. “Corneal wound-healing agents”. In: SFO 2023 Report — Médicaments et biothérapies en ophtalmologie, chapter 21. Full text, open access (in French).