Investigating the use of corticosteroids for treating a blinding eye infection.
Official title: Parasitic Ulcer Treatment Trial
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11074549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether corticosteroid eye drops can help people with Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection that can cause blindness, by comparing them to a placebo in 200 patients who haven't fully healed after standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,187,979 |
| NIH project number | 5UG1EY033284-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis who have not responded adequately to initial anti-amoebic treatment and exhibit ocular inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Acanthamoeba keratitis or those who have already achieved clinical resolution after anti-amoebic therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe corneal infection that can lead to blindness and currently has limited treatment options. The trial will involve 200 patients who have shown signs of this infection after receiving standard anti-amoebic therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either corticosteroid eyedrops or a placebo to determine if corticosteroids can improve healing and visual outcomes. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this treatment approach over a period of several months.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that improves recovery and visual outcomes for patients suffering from Acanthamoeba keratitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the use of corticosteroids in treating Acanthamoeba keratitis, making this trial a critical investigation into a potentially novel treatment approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keenan, Jeremy David — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Keenan, Jeremy David
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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.