New treatment for vision loss caused by retinal diseases

First-in-class TREM-1 inhibitors for neovascular retinal diseases

NIH-funded research Signablok, INC. · NIH-11184081

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSignablok, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11184081 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include premature infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity and adults with diabetic retinopathy.

Not a fit: Patients with retinal diseases not related to neovascularization may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Worcester, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.