Improving treatment for dry eye disease using nerve growth factor

Topical treatment of an optimized NGF for Dry Eye

NIH-funded research Human Cell Co · NIH-10916847

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 typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHuman Cell Co NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Naperville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916847 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over the age of 50 who experience symptoms of dry eye disease.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Naperville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.