NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating a key enzyme's role in diabetic retinopathy

Official title: Soluble guanylate cyclase in diabetic retinopathy

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11037977 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific protein might help protect your eyes from damage caused by diabetes, with the hope of finding new treatments to prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

More Diabetic Retinopathy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$473,552
NIH project number5R01EY035549-02
Project IDNIH-11037977 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, particularly those in the early stages of the disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy who have already lost significant vision may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, by exploring the role of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in the disease's progression. The study aims to identify how oxidative stress affects sGC and its potential as a therapeutic target. Using both laboratory and animal models, researchers will investigate the neuroprotective effects of sGC activators, which could lead to new treatment options for patients with diabetic retinopathy. The goal is to enhance understanding of the disease and develop strategies to prevent vision loss.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, potentially preserving vision for many patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting soluble guanylate cyclase in other conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Duh, Elia J — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Duh, Elia J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.