Stopping abnormal blood vessel growth and scar tissue under the retina in wet age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Inhibiting Neovascularization and Subretinal Fibrosis in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11142546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests new drug approaches to prevent abnormal blood vessels and scarring under the retina in adults with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,346 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034975-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, especially those showing early subretinal fibrosis or reduced response to anti-VEGF treatments, would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with non-neovascular (dry) AMD or those with long-standing, end-stage scarring and irreversible vision loss are unlikely to benefit from these approaches.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying why scar tissue forms under the retina in wet AMD by looking at how retinal and blood-vessel cells change their behavior (EMT and EndoMT). They will test molecules that may block or reverse those cell changes in lab models and preclinical systems, aiming to keep the endothelial barrier intact. The work is intended to complement existing anti-VEGF treatments and to work when anti-VEGF alone stops controlling disease progression. Successful approaches would then move toward drug development and possible clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reduce or prevent subretinal scarring and help preserve vision in people with neovascular AMD beyond current anti-VEGF therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Anti-VEGF treatments reliably shrink abnormal vessels but do not stop fibrosis, and targeting EMT/EndoMT is a newer approach with promising preclinical results but limited clinical proof so far.
Where this research is happening
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Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Weiquan (Wendy) — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Weiquan (Wendy)
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Inhibiting new blood vessel growth and scarring under the retina in AMD
This grant tests drug-based strategies to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and scarring under the retina in adults with age-related macular degeneration.
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Preventing vision loss in age-related macular degeneration
This study is looking into how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to worsening vision due to a condition called subretinal fibrosis, and it's trying to find new treatments that could help protect your eyesight and improve your overall vision.
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AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
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Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
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Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
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RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
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.