Protecting the premature baby’s retina and lungs from oxygen damage
Official title: Multi-organ protection from hyperoxia of the severely premature infant
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11348952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to safely shield the retina and other organs of very premature infants from oxygen-related injury while they receive oxygen therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2015 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY024972-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Very premature infants at risk for oxygen-induced retinal and brain/lung injuries, potentially eligible in future trials or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Infants not requiring oxygen therapy or without risk of oxygen-related injury may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project explores a liver-targeted approach to keep protective responses active in the presence of oxygen therapy, with the goal of preventing retinopathy of prematurity and related brain and lung issues in preterm babies. It uses animal models to study how stabilizing a key cellular pathway helps preserve blood vessel health in the retina and lungs during high oxygen exposure. The research focuses on a biochemical strategy that could enable safer oxygen use and reduce lifelong disabilities for affected children. If successful, this work could lay the foundation for new therapies that protect vulnerable organs in preterm infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works in humans, it could reduce blindness and other organ injuries in premature infants who require oxygen therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies have shown that stabilizing HIF activity can prevent oxygen-related organ damage, supporting continued exploration in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sears, Jonathan E — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Sears, Jonathan E
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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.