Modified erythropoietin to protect the retina in dry age-related macular degeneration
Elucidating the mechanism of erythropoietin (EPO) in mitigating Dry-AMD pathophysiology
This project explores whether a modified erythropoietin drug (EPO-R76E) can protect retinal cells and help people with dry age-related macular degeneration (geographic atrophy).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have dry AMD, researchers are testing a lab-made version of erythropoietin (EPO-R76E) that is designed to protect retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells from damage. They will deliver this modified EPO specifically to the retina in two different animal models that mimic key features of dry AMD: one driven by oxidative stress in the RPE and another driven by complement system dysfunction. The team will look at how EPO-R76E changes cell survival, inflammation, and molecular pathways in the retina to understand how it might prevent or slow RPE atrophy. Results will guide whether this approach could move toward human clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with dry age-related macular degeneration, especially those with geographic atrophy, would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing of this approach.
Not a fit: People with neovascular (wet) AMD or those without AMD are unlikely to benefit from this specific retinal-protection strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow or prevent RPE and photoreceptor cell loss in geographic atrophy and help preserve vision for people with dry AMD.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work has shown that modified EPO can protect retinal cells in animal models, but this approach has not yet been proven effective in human AMD patients.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biswal, Manas R — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Biswal, Manas R
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.