Eye drops that activate BK (maxi‑K) potassium channels for exfoliation glaucoma
Pharmacological modulation of ion currents for treatment of exfoliation glaucoma
New eye drops that activate a specific potassium channel to help lower eye pressure in people with exfoliation glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11095988 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to find a potent, selective 'maxi‑K' (BK) channel activator that can be developed into topical eye drops for exfoliation glaucoma. They will test candidate compounds in laboratory models and eye tissues to see which ones improve fluid outflow and lower intraocular pressure, with attention to the abnormal protein aggregates that block drainage in this condition. The team will measure effects on diurnal pressure fluctuations, examine tissue safety, and work on formulations suitable for eye‑drop delivery. A promising lead could then be advanced toward clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with exfoliation (pseudoexfoliation) glaucoma—especially those with high or fluctuating intraocular pressure not well controlled by current medications—would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with glaucoma types that do not involve trabecular outflow blockage (for example primary angle‑closure glaucoma) or those without exfoliation material and already well controlled on existing therapy may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with exfoliation glaucoma could get a new eye drop that better controls daily pressure spikes and may slow vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies suggest BK/maxi‑K channel activators can lower eye pressure in lab and animal models, but human clinical evidence is limited and the approach is still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrukhin, Konstantin — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Petrukhin, Konstantin
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 below.