Sonogenetic Restoration of Vision for Retinitis Pigmentosa
Funded at Nanoscope Technologies, LLC · NIH-11325386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses light-touch ultrasound to stimulate specific retinal cells so people with retinitis pigmentosa might regain better vision in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nanoscope Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $785,718 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EY035026-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diagnosed retinitis pigmentosa who have remaining retinal cells that could respond to ultrasound-based stimulation.
✕Less likely to help
Very advanced RP with complete loss of retinal cells or conditions not related to RP may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a non-invasive way to help people with RP by making retinal cells more responsive to ultrasound through a special protein we introduce into the cells. Researchers will test how well this sonogenetic stimulation can evoke visual responses in degenerated retinas, aiming for improved vision while avoiding invasive implants. The study combines biomedical engineering and biophotonics to target cells precisely and monitor safety and effectiveness in a controlled setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a less invasive way to improve vision for people with RP.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings in ultrasound-based retinal stimulation and cell-specific targeting exist, but this approach is a novel combination that remains investigational.
Where this research is happening
-
Nanoscope Technologies, LLC
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohanty, Samarendra Kumar — Nanoscope Technologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Mohanty, Samarendra Kumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
-
Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
-
Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
-
Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
-
NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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.