Investigating blood components to improve corneal health
Official title: Serum components to support corneal health
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11058280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using your own blood to make special eye drops can help heal different eye problems, especially for people with dry eyes or injuries, by figuring out the best ingredients to include for better results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035829-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with ocular surface disorders such as dry eye disease, chemical injuries, or other corneal health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ocular conditions or those not experiencing corneal health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how blood-based therapies, specifically autologous serum tears, can be used to treat various eye conditions affecting the cornea. The study aims to identify the specific serum components, such as growth factors and vitamins, that promote corneal repair and health. By analyzing these components, the researchers hope to establish a standardized preparation method for serum tears, making them more accessible and effective for patients with ocular surface disorders. The ultimate goal is to enhance the clinical application of serum tears in treating conditions like dry eye disease and chemical injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from various ocular surface disorders, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that blood-based therapies can improve symptoms in ocular surface disorders, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Matilda F — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chan, Matilda F
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.