Using Surfactant Protein A to prevent vision loss in premature infants
Official title: Targeting Surfactant Protein A to Prevent Retinopathy of Prematurity
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11167763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Surfactant Protein A might help prevent a serious eye problem in premature babies by promoting healthy blood vessel growth in their eyes, with the goal of finding better treatments for those at risk of this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,611 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033499-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of developing Retinopathy of Prematurity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have any risk factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Surfactant Protein A (SP-A) in preventing Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a serious eye condition affecting premature infants. The study aims to understand how SP-A influences retinal blood vessel development and its potential to promote healthy angiogenesis. By examining the effects of SP-A deficiency and its relationship with vascular growth factors, the research seeks to develop targeted therapies that could improve outcomes for infants at risk of ROP. The approach includes both in vitro studies and rodent models to explore the mechanisms involved in retinal vascular development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of blindness in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting angiogenic factors for similar conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhatti, Faizah Naheed — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bhatti, Faizah Naheed
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Researchers are studying why premature birth leads to dystonia in cerebral palsy and looking for new ways to help children and adults who have this condition.
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AI-enhanced wide-field eye scans for detecting retinopathy of prematurity
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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.