Using a special RNA treatment to heal eye injuries and prevent scarring

A Self-Delivery siRNA for Promoting Regenerative Healing in the Eye

NIH-funded research Syracuse VA Medical Center · NIH-10881769

This study is testing a new eye treatment that uses special RNA to help heal scarring and improve vision for people, especially veterans and active military members, who often face eye injuries.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSyracuse VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project IDNIH-10881769 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a self-delivery siRNA treatment aimed at promoting healing in the eye, particularly for conditions like corneal scarring and glaucoma. The approach involves using modified RNA that can enter cells easily to prevent and reverse scarring, which is a common issue following eye injuries and surgeries. By targeting both corneal and scleral scarring, the research aims to improve vision and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions. The study is particularly relevant for veterans and active military personnel who experience high rates of ocular trauma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include veterans, active military personnel, and civilians with corneal scarring or glaucoma.

Not a fit: Patients with non-traumatic vision loss unrelated to scarring or glaucoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from eye injuries and related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using RNA therapies have shown promise in other areas of regenerative medicine, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Syracuse, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.