Using extracellular vesicles to treat diabetic retinopathy
Official title: Extracellular Vesicle Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10723000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can harm your vision, by using tiny particles to help repair the eye's damaged blood vessels and nerves, with the hope of preventing further vision loss and improving eye health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $480,140 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035425-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10723000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, particularly those in the early stages of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy who have already experienced significant vision loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel therapy for diabetic retinopathy (DR), a condition that can lead to severe vision loss. The approach focuses on using extracellular vesicles to target and repair the damaged retinal neurovascular unit, which is affected by diabetes. By delivering therapeutic agents directly to areas of vascular dysfunction in the retina, the goal is to prevent further visual impairment and improve overall eye health. Patients will be monitored for changes in their retinal condition and visual function throughout the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that helps preserve vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using targeted therapies for retinal conditions, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though it remains a novel application in this specific context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Sun Young — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lee, Sun Young
Related research
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-
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Ultrafast eye imaging to detect and track diabetic retinopathy
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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.