Preventing corneal transplant rejection with a new gene therapy
Official title: Prevention of corneal transplant rejection using AAV-BDRK-401 therapy
Funded at Bedrock Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10822747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gene therapy to help prevent the rejection of corneal transplants, which could be a game-changer for people with corneal blindness, by treating the donor tissue before surgery to keep it safe from the recipient's immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bedrock Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $975,387 |
| NIH project number | 2R42EY031625-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with high-risk corneal transplant needs, particularly those facing genetic or acquired corneal blindness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require corneal transplantation or those with low-risk conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to prevent rejection of corneal transplants, which are crucial for treating corneal blindness. The approach involves treating donor corneal tissue with a specific gene therapy (BDRK-401) before transplantation, aiming to shield it from the recipient's immune response. The research has shown promising results in animal models, where treated grafts were protected from rejection. The goal is to translate these findings into a clinical setting for human patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rate of corneal transplant rejection, improving outcomes for patients undergoing this procedure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar gene therapy approaches in animal models, indicating potential for human application.
Where this research is happening
-
Bedrock Therapeutics, INC.
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilger, Brian C — Bedrock Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gilger, Brian C
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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.