Metabolomics approach to uncover how age-related macular degeneration develops
Official title: Metabolomics a Novel Tool for Investigating the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11380958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing look at how we study small molecules in blood and eye tissue to understand why people develop AMD and how it progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $692,941 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030088-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with age-related macular degeneration and age-matched controls who can provide follow-up data over time.
✕Less likely to help
People without AMD or unable to participate in long-term follow-up may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows people with age-related macular degeneration and healthy controls over time to map their metabolite profiles and link them to disease stages. Researchers will use targeted metabolomics to precisely measure selected metabolites and lipid pathways implicated in AMD. The study builds on previous work that found metabolite differences associated with disease and progression, aiming to confirm and expand those findings in a new, focused analysis. The ultimate goal is to identify reliable biomarkers and mechanisms that could guide earlier intervention and personalized care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better ways to predict progression and tailor treatments or monitoring for people with AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed metabolomic differences related to AMD and progression, supporting the potential for meaningful findings in this follow-up study.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Husain, Deeba — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Husain, Deeba
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Measuring small molecules to better understand age-related macular degeneration
This project will measure specific small molecules in people with age-related macular degeneration to find signals that predict progression.
-
Using metabolomics to understand age-related macular degeneration
This study is looking at how tiny molecules in your body might help us understand age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older folks, by analyzing blood and urine samples to find changes that could predict how the disease progresses.
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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.