Using a special RNA treatment to heal eye injuries and prevent scarring
Official title: A Self-Delivery siRNA for Promoting Regenerative Healing in the Eye
Funded at Syracuse VA Medical Center · NIH-10881769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005360-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterans, active military personnel, and civilians with corneal scarring or glaucoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-traumatic vision loss unrelated to scarring or glaucoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 VA Medical Center
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernstein, Audrey M — Syracuse VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bernstein, Audrey M
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.