Eye drops that protect vision in glaucoma
A Novel Neuroprotective Approach for Glaucoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR · NIH-11259508
This project tests special eye drops that turn into a natural estrogen inside the retina to protect nerve cells and help people with glaucoma keep their sight.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FORT WORTH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259508 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are developing an eye-drop prodrug (called DHED) that becomes 17β-estradiol only inside the retina so the rest of the body sees little or no hormone. In animal models of glaucoma, these drops protected retinal ganglion cells from dying and prevented vision loss. The team uses proteomics to confirm the drops engage the hormone-responsive targets in the retina and studies how estrogen loss and high eye pressure affect retinal vulnerability. The goal is to turn these lab findings into a safe treatment that preserves vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future human testing would be people with glaucoma or those at high risk of retinal ganglion cell loss who are interested in neuroprotective treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with types of vision loss not driven by retinal ganglion cell degeneration, or those ineligible for clinical trials for medical reasons, may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to eye drops that slow or prevent vision loss from glaucoma by protecting retinal nerve cells.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies have shown local production of 17β‑estradiol from DHED and protection of retinal ganglion cells, but this approach has not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
FORT WORTH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR — FORT WORTH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PROKAI, KATALIN T — UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR
- Study coordinator: PROKAI, KATALIN T
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.