Finding a new way to measure energy in the eyes of patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Mitigating retinitis pigmentosa based on a non-invasive rod energy-landscape biomarker

NIH-funded research Wayne State University · NIH-10931516

This study is looking at how we can better understand and treat retinitis pigmentosa by using a special imaging technique to see how well the cells in your retina are working, which could help doctors create more personalized treatment plans for you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931516 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that causes progressive vision loss and blindness due to the death of light-sensitive cells in the retina. The study aims to develop a non-invasive biomarker that can assess mitochondrial performance in patients, which is crucial for understanding the disease's progression and tailoring treatments. By using optical coherence tomography (OCT), researchers will analyze changes in the inner segment ellipsoid zone (ISez) of the retina under different light conditions. This innovative approach seeks to provide a more personalized understanding of RP, moving away from a one-size-fits-all treatment strategy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those experiencing vision loss.

Not a fit: Patients with retinitis pigmentosa who are not experiencing any symptoms or have advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using OCT to assess mitochondrial performance is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of retinal research.

Where this research is happening

Detroit, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.