New treatment to help heal damaged corneas

A Novel Therapeutic to Promote Corneal Repair

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MICROCURES, INC. · NIH-11311338

A topical eye medicine aims to speed closure and nerve regrowth after cornea injuries like chemical burns.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMICROCURES, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SANTA CRUZ, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11311338 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are developing a topical therapy that delivers a molecule targeting corneal cell and nerve repair to the site of injury. The approach uses a localized formulation designed to stay on the eye and slowly release the active agent to promote faster epithelial migration and reinnervation. Preclinical tests use laboratory assays and animal models to measure wound closure, tissue remodeling, and recovery of corneal sensation. If those results are favorable, the program could move toward clinical testing in people with significant corneal wounds.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with recent moderate-to-severe corneal injuries—for example large epithelial wounds or alkali/chemical burns—who need faster wound closure and nerve recovery are potential candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with minor superficial scratches, active infectious keratitis, or chronic non-injury degenerative corneal diseases may not benefit from this specific acute wound-repair therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: May shorten healing time, reduce risk of ulceration or scarring, and restore corneal clarity and sensation after serious corneal injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Some topical therapies and nerve growth factor treatments have shown benefit for corneal healing, but targeting the FL2 mechanism for localized tissue remodeling is a novel approach with limited prior human data.

Where this research is happening

SANTA CRUZ, 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.