Using engineered nanoparticles to improve fluid drainage in glaucoma treatment
Official title: Modulating aqueous humor outflow with engineered nanoparticles for glaucoma
Funded at Missouri University of Science & Technology · NIH-11078740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with glaucoma by using tiny particles to deliver medicine more effectively, which could help lower eye pressure and protect their vision better than current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Missouri University of Science & Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035088-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with glaucoma who are experiencing elevated intraocular pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have glaucoma or those whose condition is not related to elevated intraocular pressure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle-based delivery systems to enhance the outflow of aqueous humor in patients with glaucoma, a condition that can lead to blindness due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The approach involves creating nanostructured dendrimer hydrogel particles that can deliver anti-glaucoma medications more effectively, aiming for a consistent release of the drug to lower IOP. By targeting the trabecular meshwork pathway, this project seeks to improve current treatment methods that often rely on less effective strategies. Patients may benefit from a more efficient and sustained reduction in IOP, potentially preserving their vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective glaucoma treatments that significantly lower intraocular pressure and reduce the risk of vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nanoparticle systems for drug delivery in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in glaucoma treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Rolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Hu — Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Study coordinator: Yang, Hu
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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.