A new method for delivering eye medication over a longer period
Official title: Sustained Ocular Drug Delivery System for Anti-VEGF Agents
Funded at The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology · NIH-10608062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver eye medication for conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, using a special system that slowly releases the medicine over six months to make treatment easier and reduce the need for frequent injections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hoboken, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $257,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY029298-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10608062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from wet age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy who require anti-VEGF therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of eye diseases or those who do not require anti-VEGF treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a sustained ocular drug delivery system for anti-VEGF agents, which are used to treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The approach involves creating biodegradable microspheres and a thermo-responsive hydrogel that can release medication over a period of six months, reducing the need for frequent injections. By testing this system in a non-human primate model, the researchers aim to evaluate its safety and effectiveness compared to traditional treatment methods. This innovative delivery method could significantly ease the treatment burden for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more convenient and effective treatment option that requires fewer injections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in sustained drug delivery systems, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang-Mieler, Jennifer J — The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Kang-Mieler, Jennifer J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.