Topical eyedrops to slow myopia progression in children
Official title: Topical Eyedrops Increasing Lysyl Oxidase and Dopamine Activity to Control Myopia
Funded at Iveena Delivery Systems, INC. · NIH-11402067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new eyedrop, IVMED-85, is being studied to help slow down myopia in kids by strengthening the eye’s tissues through a copper-related mechanism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iveena Delivery Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,111,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R44EY034770-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 0-11 with progressive myopia who meet regulatory safety criteria and consent/assent for early-phase trials.
✕Less likely to help
Children without progressive myopia or those with contraindications to topical copper-based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
Pediatric myopia is a growing global concern, and this project tests a first-in-class topical eyedrop to slow its progression in children. The therapy delivers copper to boost lysyl oxidase activity, aiming to strengthen scleral and corneal tissues and reduce axial lengthening. The work builds on promising animal data and prior safety studies, with a plan to advance toward an IND for future human trials. The study design includes preclinical and early clinical development steps, focusing on safety, formulation stability, and pharmacologic effects relevant to myopia control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the eyedrop could slow myopia progression in children, potentially reducing risk of future vision complications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies showed slowed eye growth with the copper-based eye drop, supporting continued development toward human trials.
Where this research is happening
-
Iveena Delivery Systems, INC.
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molokhia, Sarah Abdulla — Iveena Delivery Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Molokhia, Sarah Abdulla
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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.