A new siRNA therapy to keep trabeculectomy open and prevent scarring
Official title: A novel siRNA therapeutic to prevent scarring and bleb failure after trabeculectomy
Funded at Dub Therapeutics INC. · NIH-11408609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tiny RNA-based medicine (DUB-001) is being developed to prevent scar tissue from forming after glaucoma surgery, helping more patients keep their eye pressure low.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dub Therapeutics INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,009,284 |
| NIH project number | 5R44EY038138-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy or those at high risk of scarring after surgery who could benefit from improved wound healing.
✕Less likely to help
People not undergoing trabeculectomy or with conditions where USP10 targeting is not relevant may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to bring a novel siRNA treatment to the eye that can be injected during or after trabeculectomy to reduce scarring and improve long‑term surgery success. It uses a self-delivering, cholesterol-linked siRNA that targets the USP10 gene to curb fibrosis in ocular tissue. Preclinical results showed lasting anti-fibrotic effects and potential to outperform current care like Mitomycin C. The research will push DUB-001 through key preclinical steps to support future human testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce postoperative scarring after glaucoma surgery and improve the long-term success rate, potentially preserving vision for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous anti-fibrotic approaches have demonstrated some benefit, but this specific sdRNA approach targeting USP10 in the eye is novel and preclinical.
Where this research is happening
-
Dub Therapeutics INC.
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Tere M. — Dub Therapeutics INC.
- Study coordinator: Williams, Tere M.
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.