Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Targeting the inflammatory response in age-related macular degeneration
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11418964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034234-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with neovascular (wet) AMD or a similar inflammatory profile may be suitable for future translational work and trials.
✕Less likely to help
The study uses deceased donor tissue and experimental analyses; direct benefit to living patients is not guaranteed during this basic research phase.
What this research studies
This project looks at why inflammation in the eye may cause neovascular AMD, using human eye tissue from autopsies and advanced gene profiling to map how immune cells behave in AMD. Researchers will perform single-nucleus RNA sequencing to identify molecular signatures of microglia and macrophages that are active during disease. The goal is to uncover inflammation-related pathways that could be blocked or treated to halt progression and protect vision. The work is grounded in human samples and seeks to translate findings into potential therapies for patients with AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could reveal new targets for treatments that reduce inflammation-driven eye damage in AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked inflammation and microglia to AMD, with ongoing work suggesting targeted anti-inflammatory strategies may help.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hafler, Brian P — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hafler, Brian P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Reducing harmful inflammation in wet age-related macular degeneration
This project looks for ways to block damaging immune inflammation in people with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration to help protect their vision.
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Investigating inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
This study is looking at how inflammation affects age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older people, to find new ways to treat it by examining eye tissue and immune cells.
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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.