Improving treatment for dry eye disease using nerve growth factor
Official title: Topical treatment of an optimized NGF for Dry Eye
Funded at Human Cell Co · NIH-10916847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new eye treatment that uses a special form of nerve growth factor to help people over 50 who have dry eye disease, aiming to improve their symptoms and tear production for better vision and comfort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Human Cell Co NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Naperville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $365,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43EY036298-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over the age of 50 who experience symptoms of dry eye disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with dry eye disease who do not respond to nerve growth factor treatments or have other underlying ocular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a topical treatment using an optimized form of nerve growth factor (NGF) to address dry eye disease (DED), a condition that affects many individuals, particularly those over 50. The study aims to enhance corneal nerve health, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of the tear film and overall ocular surface. By utilizing NGF, the research seeks to improve symptoms and tear production in patients suffering from DED, potentially leading to better vision and quality of life. Participants may receive a new treatment that has shown promise in previous clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from dry eye disease, improving their vision and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that topical nerve growth factor treatments can improve symptoms in patients with related ocular conditions, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Human Cell Co
Naperville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeong, Soon Seog — Human Cell Co
- Study coordinator: Jeong, Soon Seog
Related research
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Understanding tear film thickness to help diagnose and manage dry eye
A study at a U.S. university will look at how the thin outer layer of tears changes in people with dry eye and how those changes relate to their symptoms and clinical signs.
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Tear microRNA patterns in women and men with dry eye
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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.