Anti-ceramide therapy to protect the retina in diabetes
Official title: Anti-ceramide immunotherapy for diabetic retinopathy
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11312705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist team is testing a targeted antibody approach to reduce inflammation and cell damage in the eyes of adults with diabetes who are at risk for vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $401,386 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030766-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11312705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diabetes who are at risk of or have early signs of diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetic retinopathy or those without potential to benefit from anti-ceramide strategies may not be directly helped.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how lipid imbalances contribute to diabetic retinopathy and whether blocking acid sphingomyelinase can reduce inflammation and cell death in retinal blood vessels. Researchers use pharmacologic inhibitors, gene-silencing methods, and antibody strategies to interfere with harmful lipid signals in retinal cells. The study leverages patient-derived observations on ceramide patterns and aims to translate findings into therapies that could protect vision for people with diabetes. Results could inform new treatments that complement current anti-VEGF options and address inflammation-driven damage in the retina.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce retinal inflammation and preserve vision in adults with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that targeting lipid pathways and inflammatory signals can improve retinal outcomes in diabetes, with preliminary evidence supporting ceramide-related mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Busik, Julia V — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Busik, Julia V
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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.