NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Practical device to automatically track abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in diabetic eye disease

Official title: Practical device for automated monitoring of neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy

Funded at Fasda INC · NIH-11409917 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new, easier-to-use imaging device aims to automatically detect and monitor abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in people with diabetic retinopathy.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFasda INC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$292,058
NIH project number1R41EY039188-01
Project IDNIH-11409917 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults aged 21 and older with diabetic retinopathy or at risk for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Less likely to help

Patients without access to retinal imaging or those without diabetic retinopathy may not benefit directly.

What this research studies

Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness, and current methods to detect dangerous blood vessel growth are either invasive or not practical for widespread use. This project develops a noninvasive retinal imaging device called R-FASDA that promises high-resolution visualization of retinal vessels at lower cost and simpler operation. If successful, it could help patients gain faster, more accessible monitoring in clinics or nontraditional settings, potentially catching vision-threatening changes earlier. The approach builds on laser speckle imaging to create a broad view of retinal vasculature without the invasiveness of conventional angiography. The study will validate the device against current standards and explore real-world usability.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier detection and monitoring of vision-threatening changes with a cheaper, easier imaging option.

How similar studies have gone: Noninvasive retinal imaging methods exist, but this device aims to combine wide field of view with low cost and ease of use, representing a novel integration.

Where this research is happening

  • Fasda INC
    Cambridge, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Uribe-Patarroyo, Nestor — Fasda INC
  • Study coordinator: Uribe-Patarroyo, Nestor

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Integrative multi-omics to understand diabetic retinopathy

    A doctor-scientist team will study blood markers and genetic signals to see why diabetic retinopathy happens and how it affects Hispanic/Latino people.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11514593

  • Smartphone retinal imaging for diabetic eye disease in Egypt

    This project uses a low-cost smartphone camera and AI to find signs of diabetic eye damage in adults with diabetes in Egypt.

    NIH research Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw, United States · NIH-11501665

  • Retinal Cell Loss in Diabetic Retinopathy

    This project looks at how mitochondrial problems and a specific kind of cell death called ferroptosis may cause retinal cells to die in people with diabetes-related eye disease.

    NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-11438059

  • Redox-triggered REDD1 blockers for diabetic retinopathy

    A research project tests new ways to stop a stress protein (REDD1) from causing vision problems in people with diabetic retinopathy.

    NIH research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · Hershey, United States · NIH-11419008

  • Ultrafast eye imaging to detect and track diabetic retinopathy

    A doctor-science team is developing ultra-fast eye scans to better see tiny blood vessels in people with diabetic retinopathy, helping catch changes early and guide treatment.

    NIH research Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, United States · NIH-11418357

  • Pro/renin receptor signaling and diabetic retinopathy

    A diabetes-related eye disease called diabetic retinopathy will be studied to understand how a specific protein pathway contributes to eye damage.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11399831

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.