Thurles Information

Israeli Biotech Unveils First Human Implant Of Lab-Grown 3D Cornea.

Israel-US Biotech Restores Sight with World’s First 3D-Bio-Printed Human Cornea.

In a major medical breakthrough, Precise Bio has successfully implanted the world’s first fully 3D-bio-printed corneal implant into a human patient, restoring vision for a person who had been legally blind in one eye.

Precise Bio is a clinical-stage company developing 3D-bio-fabricated human tissues and organs. Its lead project, PB-001, is the world’s first bio-printed cornea to reach human trials. The company has operations in both Israel and the U.S.

The surgery, conducted on October 29th last, 2025 at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel, used PB-001, a lab-grown cornea made from human corneal. Unlike conventional grafts, which rely on donor tissue, PB-001 is printed using advanced robotics in a GMP-certified facility.

“This Israeli breakthrough is hugely promising,” says Professor Thomas Ritter, a leading ophthalmologist and scientist at the University of Galway, who heads the EU-funded RESTORE VISION consortium tackling rare eye diseases. “Across Europe, we face a critical shortage of donor corneas, and a technology that can produce bio-printed corneas at scale could be truly transformational. In Ireland in particular, demand for corneal transplants is growing, but we rely on imported donor tissue. If we can get to a point where lab-grown corneas are reliable and safe, it could redefine eye care and reduce the burden on transplant waiting lists.”

There is a global shortage of donor corneas. Precise Bio believes its technology could dramatically increase supply: one donated cornea might generate hundreds of implants. The implant is designed for long-term storage, it can be cryopreserved and shipped pre-loaded on surgical devices.

The ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, (at Rambam, Haifa, Israel), aims to enrol 10-15 patients with corneal dysfunction. Six-month results are expected in the second half of 2026.

What the Experts Say.
Aryeh Batt, CEO of Precise Bio stated, “This is a turning point for regenerative ophthalmology — real hope for millions with corneal blindness. For the first time, a corneal implant grown entirely in the lab has been safely implanted in a patient.”
Professor Michael Mimouni, who led the surgery stated, “We have witnessed, for the first time, a cornea made from living human cells bring back sight. It was an unforgettable moment, a glimpse of a future where donor scarcity no longer condemns people to darkness.”
Dr. Anthony Atala, Co-Founder of Precise Bio stated, “PB-001 could become a standardised, scalable solution, safe, effective, and ready on demand. It may reshape how we think about transplants.”

Government Sets Out Roadmap For Justice, Security and Migration.

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has published its Statement of Strategy 2025–2028, outlining key priorities and planned reforms for the years ahead. The Strategy sets out a commitment to strengthening public safety, supporting secure communities and delivering on the Government’s programme, Securing Ireland’s Future.

Central to the plan is continued investment in An Garda Síochána, with a focus on increased recruitment and the provision of the resources and legislation needed to support effective policing. Over the next five years, almost 1,600 new prison spaces will be delivered, and both the Prison Service and Probation Service will be supported to ensure appropriate and effective sanctions are available to the courts.

A broad legislative agenda will be advanced, including measures to allow the retrospective use of facial recognition technology in serious crime investigations, reforms to the handling of counselling records in sexual offence cases, and legislation to criminalise sex-for-rent. The International Protection Bill will reset Ireland’s protection process in line with the EU Migration Pact, while safeguarding the integrity of the State’s immigration framework.

The Strategy also commits to improving access to justice by reducing court waiting times, reforming legal aid, and modernising the Coroners Service to provide more timely and compassionate support to bereaved families.

A rules-based, fair and balanced immigration system remains a core focus. Work will begin on Ireland’s first National Migration and Integration Strategy, recognising the important contribution of migrants to society while ensuring that immigration rules are enforced.

The Department acknowledges the contributions of staff, stakeholders and members of the public who helped shape the Strategy, and reaffirms its commitment to building a justice system that supports a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.

Missing Person Appeal For Tipperary Man Stood Down.

Gardaí have confirmed that the missing person appeal for 30-year-old Mr Niall Brennan, who was previously reported missing from the village of Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary since Monday, October 13th 2025, has been stood down following the sad discovery of a man’s body.

Mr Brennan had been the subject of a public appeal in recent weeks. He was described as 6ft tall, of medium build, with brown hair and blue eyes. Gardaí and his family had expressed deep concern for his welfare.

A man’s body, believed to be that of Mr Brennan, has now been recovered. The remains have been removed from the scene and a post-mortem examination will take place in the coming days.

Gardaí say investigations remain ongoing, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.

An Garda Síochána has thanked the public and local media for their assistance during the appeal.

St Vincent de Paul Annual Church Gate Collection.

The Thurles Branch of St Vincent de Paul will hold their annual Church Gate Collection on the weekend of the 29th & 30th of this month, November 2025, at all the Churches in the Thurles parish.

Note Please: All donations, however small, will be greatly welcome thus enabling them to help families struggling at this time of year.

Do also keep in mind that the St. Vincent’s Charity Shop is situated on No. 9-10, Friar St, Garryvicleheen, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, (Eircode E41 AP96).
Every purchase made from here helps fund vital work through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, supporting people in need across Ireland.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

Food Allergen Alert.

Undeclared milk in a batch of 1922 Viani Salumificio Salsiccia Toscana Al Peperoncino sausage.

Alert Summary dated Wednesday, November 19th 2025.

Allergy Alert Notification: 2025.A43.
Allergen: Milk.
Product Identification: 1922 Viani Salumificio Salsiccia Toscana Al Peperoncino; pack size: 300 g.
Batch Code: L12526508P; best before date: 29/11/2025.
Country Of Origin: Italy.

Message: Casein (milk protein) was detected in the above batch of 1922 Viani Salumificio Salsiccia Toscana Al Peperoncino sausage. The product is labelled as “free from milk and its derivatives” and milk is not declared on the list of ingredients. This may make the affected batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of milk and therefore, these consumers should not eat the implicated batch.

The affected batch is being recalled.