Stopping abnormal blood vessel growth and scar tissue under the retina in wet age-related macular degeneration
Inhibiting Neovascularization and Subretinal Fibrosis in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
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 ID | NIH-11142546 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Salt Lake City, United States
- 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)
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 below.