Using oxygen nanobubbles to treat retinal ischemia
Official title: Retinal Ischemia Treatment by Oxygen Nanobubbles
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10723843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using tiny oxygen bubbles to help people with retinal ischemia, a condition that can cause vision loss, by improving oxygen levels in the eye, which could lead to better options for those with diabetes-related eye issues or other retinal problems.
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) | $443,408 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035371-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10723843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing retinal ischemia, particularly those with diabetic retinopathy or other retinal vascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable retinal conditions that do not involve ischemia or those who have already lost significant vision may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment for retinal ischemia, a condition where the retina does not receive enough oxygen, leading to potential vision loss. The approach involves the use of oxygen nanobubbles that can release oxygen over time to improve oxygen levels in the retinal tissue. The study aims to develop a consistent formulation of these nanobubbles, determine the best timing for their administration, and evaluate their effectiveness through various outcomes, including retinal oxygen metrics and visual function. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular occlusions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option to prevent vision loss in patients suffering from retinal ischemia.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have explored hyperbaric oxygen treatment for retinal ischemia, the use of oxygen nanobubbles represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shahidi, Mahnaz — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Shahidi, Mahnaz
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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.