Noninvasive delivery of gene therapies to treat inherited retinal diseases
Official title: Enhanced Transretinal Ultrasound Delivery (ETUDe)
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11071669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help deliver gene therapies to the eye using gentle ultrasound waves, which could make treatments for inherited eye diseases safer and easier for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30EY037188-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inherited retinal diseases, particularly those who may benefit from gene therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal diseases that do not respond to gene therapy or those who are not candidates for such treatments may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method for delivering gene therapies to the retina using focused ultrasound technology. By opening the blood-retina barrier noninvasively, the aim is to enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents while minimizing damage to retinal tissue. The approach involves optimizing ultrasound parameters to ensure safe and effective treatment for patients with inherited retinal diseases. This innovative technique could potentially transform how these therapies are administered, making them more accessible and safer for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective method for delivering gene therapies to patients with inherited retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, indicating potential success for similar applications in retinal therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Link, Schuyler — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Link, Schuyler
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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.