New method for delivering gene therapy to the retina
Official title: Novel bioreducible polymer-based delivery platform for intravitreal gene transfer to retina
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10573812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver gene therapy to the eye using tiny particles, which could make treatments for eye disorders more effective and safer, especially for people who need repeated therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $442,760 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY034677-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10573812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inherited or acquired retinal and optic nerve disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to retinal or optic nerve disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new polymer-based system for delivering gene therapy specifically to the retina, which could help treat various eye disorders. The approach aims to overcome limitations of current viral delivery methods, such as their high cost and immune responses. By using nanoparticles designed to navigate the eye's barriers, the researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of gene therapy while minimizing potential side effects. This innovative method could allow for repeated treatments without triggering adverse immune reactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment options for patients with retinal disorders by providing a more effective and safer gene therapy delivery method.
How similar studies have gone: While gene therapy using viral vectors has been successful, this polymer-based approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suk, Jung Soo — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Suk, Jung Soo
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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.