Non-surgical delivery of treatments to the retina using ultrasound
Official title: Acoustically targeted, high-resolution, site-specific, transretinal delivery of macromolecules
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10706971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to safely deliver treatments directly to the retina using focused ultrasound, which could help people with inherited retinal diseases without needing surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $190,455 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY032596-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10706971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with inherited retinal diseases who are at risk of vision loss or blindness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal disorders that are not amenable to gene therapy or those who have already undergone surgical interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for delivering macromolecules and gene therapies directly to the retina without the need for surgery. By using focused ultrasound, the researchers aim to enhance the precision of treatment delivery, making it safer and more effective for patients with inherited retinal diseases. The approach involves injecting a microbubble contrast agent into a peripheral vein, which, when targeted by ultrasound, allows for the delivery of therapeutic agents to specific areas of the retina. This innovative technique could potentially overcome the challenges associated with current surgical methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from retinal disorders, potentially restoring vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound for targeted drug delivery, indicating that this approach may be viable and effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szablowski, Jerzy Olgierd — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Szablowski, Jerzy Olgierd
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.