Finding early blood markers for age-related vision loss

Pre-diagnosis Biomarker Discovery for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11000802

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11000802 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy individuals over the age of 50 who are at risk for developing age-related macular degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, 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.
Conditions age related macular disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.