New treatment for eye surface inflammation

Immunotherapy for Ocular Surface Diseases

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11020997

This study is looking at how certain immune responses might be causing inflammation in people with dry eye disease, and it’s testing new eye drops that could help reduce that inflammation and improve your symptoms.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11020997 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel mechanism of inflammation in patients with dry eye disease (DED) by examining the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). The study aims to develop a new treatment using ocular surface immune globulin (OSIG) eye drops, which have shown promise in initial trials for reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in DED patients. By understanding the autoimmune processes involved, the research seeks to shift the treatment paradigm towards addressing these underlying causes. The ultimate goal is to gather preclinical data to support an application for FDA approval of this new therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dry eye disease who experience chronic inflammation of the ocular surface.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of eye diseases unrelated to dry eye or those without autoimmune components may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from dry eye disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated success in using immune globulin therapies for autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential for this novel approach in treating dry eye disease.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.