Long-lasting griseofulvin eye implant to stop abnormal blood vessel growth
Long-acting formulations of griseofulvin for ocular neovascularization therapy
A long-lasting eye implant that slowly releases griseofulvin to block harmful new blood vessels in people with wet age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309694 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to turn the antifungal drug griseofulvin into polymer implants or microparticles that can be placed inside the eye for sustained drug release. The team will test how long the formulations release drug and whether they stop abnormal blood vessel growth in laboratory and animal models of retinal and choroidal neovascularization. Early data show release for at least two months and effectiveness in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization models. If results remain promising, the approach could progress toward clinical development for people with sight-threatening neovascular disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration or proliferative diabetic retinopathy who need treatment for abnormal retinal or choroidal blood vessel growth.
Not a fit: People with non-neovascular (dry) AMD, unrelated eye conditions, those who cannot receive intravitreal implants, or those allergic to griseofulvin are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce the number of eye injections, help people who stop responding to anti-VEGF drugs, and lower treatment burden and cost.
How similar studies have performed: Long-acting intravitreal implants are an established delivery method for other eye drugs, but using griseofulvin to block the enzyme ferrochelatase is a novel repurposing approach with evidence mainly in lab and animal studies so far.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeo, Yoon — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Yeo, Yoon
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 below.