Role of immune cells in geographic atrophy and age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Elucidating the role of subretinal microglia in geographic atrophy
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11437269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A physician-scientist is training to understand how microglia interact with retinal cells to influence geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $206,797 |
| NIH project number | 1K08EY039523-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11437269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with geographic atrophy or AMD who may later participate in related translational studies or be eligible for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
This training grant does not directly enroll patients; it develops scientists who will study patient-related disease mechanisms.
What this research studies
This grant supports a physician-scientist training program focused on the role of microglial–retinal pigment epithelium interactions in geographic atrophy, a form of age-related macular degeneration. The candidate will gain expertise in retinal neuroimmunology, iPSC-based disease modeling, and in vitro assessments of retinal cell function. The plan includes formal coursework, mentorship, and hands-on research to build independent, patient-centered translational work. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved treatments and outcomes for people affected by AMD and related retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Advancing understanding of retinal immune interactions could lead to new strategies to slow or prevent geographic atrophy in AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in retinal immunology and iPSC models has shown promise in linking microglia–RPE interactions to retinal degeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, James — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Harris, James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using advanced AI to predict vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration
This study is working on using smart computer models to help predict when geographic atrophy, a serious eye condition related to aging, might start or get worse, so that patients at higher risk can get the care they need more often while keeping their personal information safe.
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See if STL303 helps adults with geographic atrophy from AMD
This study tests STL303 versus placebo in people 60 and older who have geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration to see if it is safe and can help their vision.
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C.001 for retinal degeneration: a first-in-human dose-escalation safety test
A first-in-human study will test the safety and tolerability of a single subretinal injection of C.001 in adults with retinal diseases involving retinal pigment epithelium degeneration.
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Central microperimetry and radial OCT in geographic atrophy
We will test whether central microperimetry and radial OCT scans can more accurately measure how geographic atrophy progresses toward the fovea in people with or at risk for GA from age-related macular degeneration.
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One-time intravitreal SAR446597 injection for geographic atrophy due to AMD
This trial will try a single eye injection of SAR446597 to slow geographic atrophy in people 60 and older with AMD.
-
Dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) for slowing geographic atrophy in dry AMD
This trial will test whether taking dapagliflozin once daily can slow the growth of geographic atrophy in people aged 50 and older with dry age-related macular degeneration.
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.