Novel trifunctional compounds for glaucoma therapy to lower eye pressure and protect nerves
Official title: Discovery of novel trifunctional hybrid compounds (TFHCs): potential glaucoma therapy with superior IOP reduction and neuroprotection
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-11346361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new eye medicine designed to both lower eye pressure and protect vision in glaucoma patients is being developed and tested for safety and effectiveness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $576,730 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY038837-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11346361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with glaucoma or high intraocular pressure who may benefit from therapies that address both pressure and neuroprotection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose glaucoma is not driven by the mechanisms targeted by TFHCs or who have contraindications to the compound components may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing trifunctional hybrid compounds that combine an FP receptor agonist, a nitric oxide donor, and a hydrogen sulfide releasing part to reduce intraocular pressure and protect retinal nerves. The project builds on a lead molecule by making it more stable and exploring how these three actions work together in the eye. Researchers at Creighton University will use structure-activity relationships to optimize the compounds and evaluate their potential to slow glaucoma-related damage. The aim is to create a treatment that addresses both pressure and neuroprotection, potentially benefiting patients who still lose vision despite current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive a therapy that lowers eye pressure while also protecting nerve cells in the eye, potentially slowing vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Prior approaches combining pressure reduction with neuroprotection show promise, but this specific trifunctional design represents a novel next step in glaucoma therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jadhav, Gopal P — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Jadhav, Gopal P
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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.