A new targeted treatment to protect vision in diabetic retinopathy
Developing a novel therapy for diabetic retinopathy
['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · EVERGLADES BIOPHARMA, LLC · NIH-11141172
This project is developing a drug that blocks a disease-specific factor to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in people with diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EVERGLADES BIOPHARMA, LLC (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141172 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers discovered a molecule that drives abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage specifically in damaged retinal vessels in diabetes, and they plan to develop a medicine that blocks that molecule while leaving healthy vessels alone. The team will test the drug in lab models and examine how the molecule binds within different retinal layers, aiming to reduce leakage and protect nerve cells. Work includes preclinical safety and dosing studies and studies using diabetic retinal tissue to confirm the drug targets diseased vessels. If those steps go well, the program would move toward clinical testing in people with diabetic retinopathy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetic retinopathy, especially those with persistent retinal leakage or limited benefit from current anti-VEGF injections, would be the likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People without diabetic retinal blood vessel damage or whose vision loss comes from non-vascular causes are unlikely to benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a safer, more effective option that slows or prevents vision loss by targeting only diseased retinal vessels and sparing healthy retinal tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Existing treatments targeting VEGF already help many patients, but targeting a disease-restricted angiogenic factor is a novel approach that has not yet been proven in human trials.
Where this research is happening
Houston, UNITED STATES
- EVERGLADES BIOPHARMA, LLC — Houston, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TIAN, HONG — EVERGLADES BIOPHARMA, LLC
- Study coordinator: TIAN, HONG
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 below.