Finding early blood markers for age-related vision loss
Official title: Pre-diagnosis Biomarker Discovery for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11000802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for clues in the blood that could help spot age-related macular degeneration (AMD) before it starts, so healthy people can get help sooner if they’re at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035793-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy individuals over the age of 50 who are at risk for developing age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to discover blood-based biomarkers that can predict the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in healthy individuals. By analyzing plasma samples from donors who later developed AMD and comparing them to those who did not, the study will utilize advanced techniques to identify differences in protein composition and optical properties. The research will also incorporate genetic information to enhance the understanding of these biomarkers. This could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis and preventive measures for age-related macular degeneration, potentially preserving vision for many individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for AMD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blenkinsop, Timothy a. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Blenkinsop, Timothy a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.