Investigating inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Targeting the inflammatory response in age-related macular degeneration
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10911185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation affects age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older people, to find new ways to treat it by examining eye tissue and immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034234-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of macular degeneration or those without any retinal diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of inflammation in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. By analyzing human tissue samples and using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify how inflammatory processes contribute to the disease's progression. The researchers will specifically look at immune cells in the eye to uncover potential new treatment targets that could help slow down or stop AMD. This work could lead to a better understanding of AMD and the development of innovative therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, potentially preserving vision for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting inflammation for treating various diseases, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial for AMD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hafler, Brian P — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hafler, Brian P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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Reducing harmful inflammation in wet age-related macular degeneration
This project looks for ways to block damaging immune inflammation in people with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration to help protect their 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.
-
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.
-
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.