Cytoprotective neuropeptide treatment to protect the eye after mustard gas exposure
Official title: Cytoprotective and Pro-regenerative Neuropeptide as Countermeasure to Mustard Gas Ocular Damage
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11414921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-focused study tests a protective peptide therapy to prevent ongoing eye damage after exposure to mustard gas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $246,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035970-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at high risk for mustard-related ocular injury or conditions modeled to resemble MGK in preclinical studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to mustard gas or without ocular injury from such exposure are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model to study how a natural protective molecule, alpha-MSH, can prevent long-term eye damage after mustard gas exposure, with the goal of translating findings to people who might suffer from mustard-related eye injuries. Researchers have shown that mustard gas can injure corneal nerves and tissue, contributing to vision problems, and that alpha-MSH may reduce inflammation and promote healing. The work includes confirming the treatment’s safety signals and examining how it supports nerve and tissue recovery in affected eyes. If successful, this could guide future clinical trials in patients with mustard eye injuries to preserve vision and comfort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new eye-protective treatments that preserve vision after mustard gas exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in mice suggest protective and regenerative effects of alpha-MSH on the eye after toxic exposure, supporting further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yihe — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yihe
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.