New eyedrop treatment for keratoconus
Topical Eyedrop Therapy for Keratoconus
This study is testing a new eyedrop treatment for people with keratoconus to help strengthen the cornea and improve vision, so they might avoid more serious procedures like corneal transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iveena Delivery Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10245284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a topical eyedrop therapy for keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges, leading to vision problems. The treatment aims to restore the activity of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme important for corneal health, which has been found to be deficient in patients with keratoconus. By applying these eyedrops, the researchers hope to improve the biomechanical strength of the cornea and reduce the need for more invasive treatments like corneal transplants. The study involves testing the eyedrops on human corneal cells and animal models to assess their effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with keratoconus, particularly those experiencing blurred vision and frequent changes in their eyeglass prescriptions.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced keratoconus who have already undergone corneal transplant surgery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive treatment option that improves vision and reduces the need for surgery in patients with keratoconus.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using topical therapy for keratoconus is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in restoring corneal strength and function.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Iveena Delivery Systems, INC. — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molokhia, Sarah Abdulla — Iveena Delivery Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Molokhia, Sarah Abdulla
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.