New Treatments for Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma

Selective Inhibition of GRP 94 to Treat Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME · NIH-11127496

This project is working to find new eye drop treatments for glaucoma by targeting a specific protein that causes pressure buildup in the eye.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NOTRE DAME, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11127496 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Glaucoma can cause high pressure in your eye, which damages vision. This happens when a protein called myocillin builds up and blocks fluid from draining properly. Our researchers are focusing on another protein, Grp94, which tries to fix the problem but can actually make it worse by clumping together with the faulty myocillin. We are developing special medications that can stop Grp94 from causing this harmful clumping. The goal is to create new eye drops that can lower eye pressure and protect your vision.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who currently have or are at risk for primary open-angle glaucoma or steroid-induced glaucoma could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose glaucoma is not related to the myocillin-Grp94 pathway may not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, effective eye drop medications for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and steroid-induced glaucoma.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary laboratory and animal studies have shown promising results with these new inhibitors in reducing protein aggregation and restoring eye pressure.

Where this research is happening

NOTRE DAME, 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 →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease

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.