Topical steroid trial for acanthamoeba keratitis
Official title: Parasitic Ulcer Treatment Trial
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11308673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A personalized trial will test whether adding a low-dose corticosteroid eyedrop after standard anti-amoebic treatment helps improve vision for people with acanthamoeba keratitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,163,537 |
| NIH project number | 5UG1EY033284-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with microbiologically confirmed acanthamoeba keratitis and ongoing ocular inflammation after 4 weeks of anti-amoebic therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have persistent inflammation after 4 weeks or who have contraindications to corticosteroids may not benefit.
What this research studies
This trial enrolls adults with confirmed acanthamoeba keratitis who still have eye inflammation after four weeks of standard anti-amoebic therapy. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a corticosteroid eyedrop or a placebo while continuing anti-amoebic treatment, following a standardized care plan. The main goal is to see if the steroid improves visual outcomes, measured by best-corrected visual acuity with a contact lens at 6–7 months. Secondary goals include how quickly the inflammation resolves and the risk of corneal perforation. The study relies on multiple international centers to recruit about 200 patients to answer this question.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could improve vision and reduce complications for people with this blinding infection.
How similar studies have gone: This is a randomized trial addressing a controversial use of steroids in acanthamoeba keratitis; prior evidence is limited and the results could change practice.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keenan, Jeremy David — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Keenan, Jeremy David
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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.