Investigating treatments for retinopathy of prematurity using VEGF and calcitriol
Official title: Mechanism of intravitreal VEGF-A165a and topical calcitriol for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10918271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better understand and treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature babies by using special imaging techniques in mice to find safer ways to help their eyes grow healthy blood vessels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,140 |
| NIH project number | 5K08EY032203-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have retinopathy of prematurity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition affecting premature infants that leads to abnormal retinal blood vessel growth. The principal investigator, Dr. Olachi Mezu-Ndubuisi, utilizes advanced imaging techniques to visualize retinal changes in a mouse model and aims to explore the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to develop safer therapies. By correlating structural and functional changes in the retina, the research seeks to identify effective treatment strategies that minimize adverse effects associated with current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for retinopathy of prematurity, potentially improving outcomes for affected infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using VEGF modulation for treating similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mezu-Ndubuisi, Olachi Joy — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Mezu-Ndubuisi, Olachi Joy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Butyrate-based approach to prevent vision loss in premature babies with retinopathy
A study is exploring whether increasing butyrate levels can prevent vision-damaging retinopathy in premature infants by addressing gut bacteria and metabolic pathways.
-
TopoROP: Multi-View Analysis to Diagnose Retinopathy of Prematurity
A new AI-based tool analyzes retinal images to help doctors diagnose Retinopathy of Prematurity in premature babies and other patients at risk.
-
Long-term endotypes of prematurity-related lung disease in former preemies
A long-term study looking at why some babies born very early develop lasting breathing problems and how their genes might explain these different paths.
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Deep learning tool to diagnose retinopathy of prematurity in newborns
A new AI-based diagnostic tool uses eye images from premature babies to help clinicians identify treatment-needed retinopathy of prematurity.
-
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Researchers are studying why premature birth leads to dystonia in cerebral palsy and looking for new ways to help children and adults who have this condition.
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AI-enhanced wide-field eye scans for detecting retinopathy of prematurity
Using faster handheld wide-field eye scans plus AI to find early signs of retinopathy of prematurity in premature babies and help guide treatment.
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.