Exploring new treatments to protect vision in glaucoma patients
Official title: Kinase Multitargeting for Glaucoma Neuroprotection
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11004696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help protect your eyesight from glaucoma by finding new treatments that work alongside the usual eye pressure medications, focusing on important proteins that can help keep your vision cells healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $395,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY029342-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glaucoma who may not respond well to current pressure-lowering therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma who have already experienced significant vision loss or those with other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. The team is investigating neuroprotective strategies that could work alongside existing treatments that lower eye pressure. They are using advanced techniques to identify key proteins involved in protecting retinal ganglion cells, which are crucial for vision. By studying these proteins, the researchers aim to develop new therapies that could prevent cell death and promote recovery in patients with glaucoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect vision and improve outcomes for glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in protecting retinal cells using similar neuroprotective approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welsbie, Derek Stuart — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Welsbie, Derek Stuart
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
-
Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
-
Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
-
AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.