Gene therapy to normalize eye pressure in juvenile glaucoma
Official title: Gene therapy to normalize intraocular pressure for the treatment of juvenile open angle glaucoma
Funded at Diorasis Therapeutics Corporation · NIH-11409527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A first-in-class gene therapy using a safe viral vector is being explored to normalize eye pressure in children and adults with juvenile open-angle glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Diorasis Therapeutics Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Watertown, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $758,533 |
| NIH project number | 1R44EY039191-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with juvenile open-angle glaucoma or related TM dysfunction, across a range of ages including children and young adults, who meet study-specific criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions outside JOAG or those who do not meet the safety criteria may not benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
This program tests a one-time or limited-treatment gene therapy that targets the eye’s drainage system to lower high eye pressure caused by juvenile open-angle glaucoma. Researchers will use a neighboring-virus vector to deliver a modified protein that helps remodel eye tissue and improve fluid outflow, aiming to reduce the need for daily eye drops or surgeries. The team has already shown promising results in animals and plans to identify the lowest dose that works safely before moving toward human studies. The study is designed to carefully monitor safety and efficacy, with a focus on avoiding too-low pressure while preventing hypotony.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce or stabilize eye pressure and slow vision loss in JOAG, potentially decreasing treatment burden for patients and families.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in rodents and large animals showed >90% success in normalizing eye pressure with no adverse effects, supporting progression to human testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Diorasis Therapeutics Corporation
Watertown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kemble, Alicia — Diorasis Therapeutics Corporation
- Study coordinator: Kemble, Alicia
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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.