Nanomaterials to improve growth factor delivery to the cornea
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11380865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mentored, patient-facing scientist is developing better materials to deliver growth factors to the cornea, with the goal of improving eye healing and treating corneal diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $260,661 |
| NIH project number | 5K08EY037382-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with corneal injuries or diseases who may benefit from advanced growth-factor therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for corneal therapies or those not pursuing growth-factor based treatments may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports a three-year mentored career development plan for Dr. Levi N. Kanu to become independent in ocular biomaterials and drug delivery. The work focuses on creating safer, more effective methods to deliver growth factors to the cornea, potentially improving healing after injuries or surgery. The program combines hands-on research in ocular biomaterials with formal coursework, mentorship, and leadership training within the Harvard-affiliated environment. The overarching aim is to translate advances in drug delivery into better treatments for patients with corneal conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with corneal diseases or injuries could see faster healing and better vision through improved delivery of therapeutic proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Similar ocular drug-delivery approaches have shown promise in preclinical models and early human studies, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanu, Levi N — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Kanu, Levi N
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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.