New treatment approach for glaucoma to protect eye cells
Official title: Therapeutic intervention to target human glaucoma pathogenesis
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11001567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for glaucoma that uses a special protein to help repair damaged eye cells, aiming to offer hope for people who haven't found success with current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $391,746 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034174-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001567 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glaucoma, particularly those who have not responded to conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma who are already experiencing advanced stages of vision loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapeutic intervention for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to blindness. The approach involves using a neurotrophic factor called human Neuritin 1 (hNRN1) to promote the regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that are damaged in glaucoma. By utilizing an innovative ex vivo human perfusion model, researchers can simulate conditions that mimic glaucoma and test the effectiveness of hNRN1 in protecting and regenerating these crucial eye cells. This research aims to provide new treatment options for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve the quality of life for glaucoma patients by preventing vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neurotrophic factors for neuroprotection in various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in glaucoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Tasneem Putliwala — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Tasneem Putliwala
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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.