A new treatment for vision loss caused by diabetes
Official title: A novel PEDF peptide mimetic for diabetic retinopathy
Funded at Skyran Biologics, INC. · NIH-10680606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new eye treatment for people with diabetes to help protect their vision from diabetic retinopathy, using a special protein that has shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving eyesight in tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Skyran Biologics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Harrisburg, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $537,483 |
| NIH project number | 5R42EY029192-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10680606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetic retinopathy who are experiencing vision problems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a topical treatment for diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. The team has identified a specific protein, Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF), that protects the retina and has created over 40 different versions of a small peptide derived from it. They have tested these peptides in laboratory settings and found that one particular peptide, Spx81-5, shows promise in reducing inflammation and improving vision in diabetic animal models. The goal is to create a safe and effective treatment that can be easily applied to the eye.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, effective treatment for preventing vision loss in diabetic patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar approaches using peptide mimetics have been effective in treating other ocular conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Skyran Biologics, INC.
Harrisburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Ji-Ye — Skyran Biologics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wei, Ji-Ye
Related research
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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.