Integrin-blocking peptide to reduce abnormal eye blood vessels and swelling

Integrin-binding Peptide for Ocular Neovascularization and Macular Edema: Molecular Mechanism of Action

['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11195653

This research tests a peptide treatment that aims to stop harmful blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the back of the eye for people with macular edema and related neovascular eye diseases.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11195653 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are exploring how certain proteins on blood vessels (integrins) drive abnormal vessel growth and leakage that cause vision loss and swelling. They are using a peptide called AXT107 and new related compounds in lab and animal experiments to see exactly how these drugs work. The team will also test a slow-release particle injected into the eye’s suprachoroidal space to deliver AXT107 over a longer time. The goal is to find a more durable way to reduce neovascular growth and fluid leakage that leads to blindness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with retinal or choroidal neovascular conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema, especially those with ongoing leakage despite standard anti-VEGF therapy, would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neovascular eye conditions (for example dry AMD) or vision problems unrelated to retinal/choroidal neovascularization are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new long-acting treatment that reduces abnormal blood vessel growth and macular swelling, possibly helping patients who do not respond well to current anti-VEGF injections.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab and animal studies of AXT107 and related integrin-blocking peptides have shown promising antiangiogenic and anti-leakage effects, but human clinical evidence remains limited.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.