Using fenofibrate to treat diabetic eye disease with a new delivery method
Official title: Sustained release of fenofibrate for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11200040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to give a medication called fenofibrate to help people with diabetes who have diabetic retinopathy, aiming to make treatment easier by reducing how often they need injections while improving their vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $23,288 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY033477-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11200040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with diabetic retinopathy who require treatment to manage their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetic retinopathy or those who do not have diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new way to deliver fenofibrate, a medication that helps treat diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to severe vision loss in people with diabetes. The current methods of administering fenofibrate are limited due to its short duration of action and poor absorption in the eye. By creating larger microparticles that can release the drug over a longer period, the researchers aim to reduce the frequency of injections needed for effective treatment. This approach targets specific pathways involved in the disease, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and convenient treatment option for patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using sustained release drug delivery systems for other conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Qingguo — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Qingguo
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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.