Retinal protection with non-viral SARM1 siRNA delivered into the eye
Official title: Versatile retinal protection through non-viral, intravitreal delivery of SARM1 siRNA
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11355767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A hopeful approach to protect vision by delivering a tiny genetic therapy directly into the eye to slow or prevent photoreceptor cell death in retinal diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,950 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY038980-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with retinal degenerative diseases where photoreceptor death is central and who would be eligible for future intravitreal therapeutic trials.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients with non-retinal diseases or those unable to undergo intravitreal injections may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to improve treatments for retinal degenerative diseases that threaten sight for millions. It focuses on a non-viral delivery method using intravitreal injections to deliver SARM1-targeting siRNA carried by lipid nanoparticles to retinal cells. By optimizing how this therapy is formulated and administered, the project seeks repeated, safe dosing to preserve photoreceptors in disease models. The work builds on promising early data showing protection of retinal cells in mice with similar approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to safer, repeatable eye injections that slow or prevent vision loss across multiple retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in mice showed protection of photoreceptors using siRNA-LNPs, suggesting potential but still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tuttle, Adam Mark — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Tuttle, Adam Mark
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.