New eyedrop treatment for keratoconus
Official title: Topical Eyedrop Therapy for Keratoconus
Funded at Iveena Delivery Systems, INC. · NIH-10245284 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $909,474 |
| NIH project number | 5R44EY031224-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10245284 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with keratoconus, particularly those experiencing blurred vision and frequent changes in their eyeglass prescriptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced keratoconus who have already undergone corneal transplant surgery may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Engineered Cornea Chip to Study Keratoconus Curvature
A patient-friendly model of keratoconus will be created on a tiny, engineered eye chip to study how shape changes affect eye tissue and to identify potential new treatments.
-
How hormones and the pituitary may affect keratoconus
This project looks at whether sex hormones and pituitary signals change the cornea in people with keratoconus to help explain why the disease starts and progresses.
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Cell and genetic causes of keratoconus
Researchers are analyzing cell changes and genes in people with keratoconus to find early warning signs and new treatment targets.
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Wide-view cornea imaging to detect keratoconus
This project is building a wide-field corneal OCT scan to spot tiny early changes in the cornea in people with or at risk for keratoconus.
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Exploring the connection between keratoconus and sex hormones
This study is looking at how sex hormones might affect keratoconus, an eye condition that can worsen vision, to help find better ways to manage it and improve care for people dealing with this issue.
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Improving early detection of keratoconus using advanced imaging technology
This study is testing a new imaging technology that helps doctors spot keratoconus earlier by taking detailed pictures of the eye's surface, which could lead to better treatment and help protect your 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.