New treatment for vision loss caused by retinal diseases
Official title: First-in-class TREM-1 inhibitors for neovascular retinal diseases
Funded at Signablok, INC. · NIH-11184081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that uses special peptides to help reduce inflammation and improve vision for people with eye conditions like retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy, aiming to prevent serious vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Signablok, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $830,491 |
| NIH project number | 4R44EY034015-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11184081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include premature infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity and adults with diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal diseases not related to neovascularization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapy targeting TREM-1, a receptor involved in inflammation and blood vessel growth in the eye. The approach utilizes specially designed peptides that inhibit TREM-1 without relying on its unknown ligands, potentially offering a safer and more effective treatment for conditions like retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy. The therapy aims to improve vision outcomes by preventing and treating retinal neovascularization, which is a significant cause of vision loss. The research includes preclinical testing in animal models to assess the effectiveness and safety of these new peptides.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from vision loss due to retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting TREM-1 is innovative, similar mechanisms have shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Signablok, INC.
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sigalov, Alexander B — Signablok, INC.
- Study coordinator: Sigalov, Alexander B
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.