Improving eye drops to better deliver antibiotics for eye infections
Official title: Eye drop formulations for enhanced penetration of water soluble antibiotics to treat infections
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10880663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new eye drops that make it easier to treat eye infections like keratitis and conjunctivitis, so you won't have to use them as often, helping you stick to your treatment and feel better faster.
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 | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $471,413 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033386-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial eye infections, particularly those who have difficulty adhering to current treatment regimens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial eye conditions or those who do not require antibiotic treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new eye drop formulations that enhance the delivery of water-soluble antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in the eye, such as keratitis and conjunctivitis. The study aims to address the challenge of patient adherence to treatment, as current antibiotic eye drops often require frequent dosing, which can lead to complications and increased bacterial resistance. By creating more effective formulations that require less frequent application, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The approach involves investigating the properties of different antibiotic agents and their ability to penetrate ocular tissues effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for eye infections, reducing the frequency of dosing and improving patient adherence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing enhanced drug delivery systems for ocular treatments, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ensign, Laura — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ensign, Laura
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.