RXR-based therapy to protect vision in diabetic retinopathy
Official title: RXR-based therapy for diabetic retinopathy
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11384933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to deliver RXR-activating medicines directly into the eye to prevent or slow diabetic retinopathy in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $558,853 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035539-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with (or at risk for) diabetic retinopathy who are candidates for intravitreal therapy.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetic retinopathy or those unable to undergo intravitreal injections may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests eye-directed rexinoid therapies that activate RXR to improve retinal lipid balance and reduce inflammation in people with diabetic retinopathy. By using sustained-release microparticles injected into the eye, it seeks to avoid altering blood sugar while targeting the retina. The study builds on prior lab results with UAB30 and UAB126 showing promise for protecting retinal cells and limiting damage. If successful, this approach could offer a longer-lasting, localized treatment to preserve vision in adults with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive a targeted, long-lasting eye therapy to slow or prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous systemic rexinoids reduced retinopathy progression but also altered glucose; localized intravitreal delivery is being tested to separate retinal benefits from blood sugar effects.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorbatyuk, Marina — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gorbatyuk, Marina
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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.