New eye drop treatments to protect vision in glaucoma patients
Official title: Topical drug delivery formulations for neuroprotection in glaucoma
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11041117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new eye drops that could help protect your vision by delivering special medicines directly to your eyes, making it easier to manage glaucoma and possibly slow down its effects on your eyesight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $537,385 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034902-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glaucoma who are experiencing vision loss despite current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have glaucoma or those whose vision loss is unrelated to retinal ganglion cell damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative eye drop formulations that can deliver neuroprotective drugs directly to the eye to help preserve retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in patients with glaucoma. By screening thousands of compounds, the team has identified promising candidates that not only lower intraocular pressure but also promote the survival of RGCs, which are crucial for vision. The study utilizes a novel thermosensitive gel-forming delivery system that enhances drug penetration into the eye, allowing for effective treatment with less frequent dosing. Patients may benefit from improved visual outcomes and potentially slower progression of their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve vision preservation for glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar drug delivery methods for ocular conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ensign, Laura — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ensign, Laura
Related research
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Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
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A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting 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.