Inhibiting new blood vessel growth and scarring under the retina in AMD
Official title: Inhibiting Neovascularization and Subretinal Fibrosis in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11418408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests drug-based strategies to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and scarring under the retina in adults with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $615,699 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034975-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with neovascular AMD or related retinal changes may be relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without neovascular AMD or those not meeting specific molecular criteria may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
If you have age-related macular degeneration, this project looks at the processes that cause dangerous new blood vessels and scarring behind the retina. Researchers aim to identify and block the molecular signals that drive these changes, with the goal of preserving vision. The work focuses on how cells change shape and behave in ways that worsen retinal damage and how therapies could stop or reverse these processes. The study explores potential drug approaches to protect the retina beyond current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with neovascular AMD could experience better preservation of vision and slower progression of retinal damage.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research indicates that targeting EMT/EndoMT pathways may influence retinal fibrosis and disease progression, supporting the pursued approach.
Where this research is happening
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Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Weiquan (Wendy) — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Weiquan (Wendy)
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stopping abnormal blood vessel growth and scar tissue under the retina in wet age-related macular degeneration
This project tests new drug approaches to prevent abnormal blood vessels and scarring under the retina in adults with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration.
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Preventing vision loss in age-related macular degeneration
This study is looking into how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to worsening vision due to a condition called subretinal fibrosis, and it's trying to find new treatments that could help protect your eyesight and improve your overall vision.
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AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
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Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
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Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
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RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
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.