Exploring how exosomes can help restore function in age-related eye disorders
Official title: Modulation of Exosome Release for Functional Restoration in Age-related Retinal Disorders
Funded at Mc Laughlin Research Institute · NIH-11004631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles called exosomes that come from retinal cells to see how they might help improve eye health for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with the hope of finding new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mc Laughlin Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Great Falls, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $360,000 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152335-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal disorders unrelated to age or those with advanced stages of AMD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of exosomes, which are tiny vesicles released by retinal cells, in the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study aims to understand how these exosomes contribute to the health of retinal cells and their potential in restoring function in patients with AMD. By using both laboratory models and mouse models, the researchers will examine how stressed retinal cells release exosomes and how this process affects retinal health. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies for treating retinal degenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that restore vision or slow down vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using exosomes for therapeutic purposes in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in AMD.
Where this research is happening
-
Mc Laughlin Research Institute
Great Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klingeborn, Mikael — Mc Laughlin Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Klingeborn, Mikael
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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.