New treatment for age-related vision loss
Official title: Mitochondrial-Targeted Therapy for Macular Degeneration
Funded at Eclipse Life Sciences, INC. · NIH-10844533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new eye drop treatment for older adults with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to help improve vision by directly targeting the cells that need it most.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Eclipse Life Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $735,619 |
| NIH project number | 5R44EY034732-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of macular degeneration or those who do not have dry AMD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel drug aimed at treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. The approach involves creating a mitochondria-targeted therapy that can be administered directly into the eye, which may improve the drug's effectiveness by ensuring it reaches the affected retinal cells. The study aims to enhance the bioavailability of the treatment, addressing a significant limitation of existing therapies. By targeting the underlying mitochondrial dysfunction associated with dry AMD, this research seeks to provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that significantly improves vision and quality of life for patients with dry AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with mitochondria-targeted therapies in related conditions, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Eclipse Life Sciences, INC.
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cousins, Scott William — Eclipse Life Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Cousins, Scott William
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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.