Investigating the endocannabinoid system to treat eye scarring
Official title: Endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for PVR
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10747004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain compounds can help prevent eye cells from turning into scar tissue in people with conditions like proliferative vitreoretinopathy, with the goal of finding new ways to treat eye injuries and their complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $445,262 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY034634-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing or at risk for proliferative vitreoretinopathy or other forms of ocular trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ocular conditions or those not affected by eye injuries or scarring may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the endocannabinoid system, which includes specific receptors and ligands, can be targeted to prevent the transformation of certain eye cells into scar-forming cells in conditions like proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The study will involve testing various compounds that either activate or inhibit these receptors to see how they affect cell behavior and fibrosis. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for managing eye injuries and related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce scarring in the eye, improving vision outcomes for patients with PVR.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting the endocannabinoid system for therapeutic purposes, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Zhao-Hui — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Song, Zhao-Hui
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.