New treatments for diabetic retinopathy using chemical probes
Official title: Bifunctional Inhibitors of STING as Chemical Probes for Diabetic Retinopathy
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10993227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new treatments for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can harm the eyes of people with diabetes, by exploring ways to reduce inflammation and protect vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $228,009 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035454-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with diabetic retinopathy who have not responded well to standard anti-VEGF treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetic retinopathy or those whose condition is not related to inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of bifunctional inhibitors of STING to develop new therapies for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects many patients with diabetes. The study focuses on understanding how chronic inflammation caused by diabetes leads to retinal damage and vision loss. By targeting the cGAS-STING pathway, which is activated in diabetic retinopathy, the researchers aim to reduce inflammation and improve retinal health. Patients may benefit from novel treatments that could be more effective than current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy, potentially preserving vision for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting the cGAS-STING pathway for treating inflammatory conditions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duerfeldt, Adam Scott — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Duerfeldt, Adam Scott
Related research
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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.