Immunotherapy targeting ceramide to treat diabetic retinopathy
Official title: Anti-ceramide immunotherapy for diabetic retinopathy
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11073881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a certain enzyme might help protect the eyes of people with diabetes from damage caused by diabetic retinopathy, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $422,886 |
| NIH project number | 2R01EY030766-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk of developing or are currently experiencing diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting a specific lipid enzyme, acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), can help prevent damage in the retina caused by diabetic retinopathy (DR). The study explores the role of lipid imbalances and inflammation in the progression of DR, aiming to understand how these factors contribute to the disease. By using various methods to inhibit ASM, the research seeks to reduce inflammation and cell death in retinal cells, potentially leading to new treatment options for patients with diabetes-related eye complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting lipid abnormalities to manage diabetic complications, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Busik, Julia V — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Busik, Julia V
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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.