Improving blood vessel growth in premature infants with eye disease
Official title: Reparative angiogenesis in ischemic retinopathy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11003351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help premature babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by figuring out how to encourage healthy blood vessel growth in their eyes, which can help prevent vision problems later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $409,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035897-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity who are at risk of developing severe visual impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have retinopathy of prematurity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition that can lead to blindness in premature infants due to insufficient blood vessel growth in the retina. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms that prevent proper vascularization in the ischemic retina and to develop treatment strategies that promote healthy blood vessel formation. By addressing the underlying issue of retinal avascularity early on, the research seeks to improve visual outcomes for affected infants. The approach involves investigating how endothelial cells can be encouraged to grow properly in the retina rather than into the preretinal space.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent blindness in premature infants by promoting healthy blood vessel growth in the retina.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding angiogenesis in other contexts, but this specific approach to treating ROP is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duh, Elia J — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Duh, Elia J
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.