Using topical treatments to block harmful proteins in eye diseases
Official title: Topical delivery of HIF-1 inhibitors for retinal and choroidal vascular diseases
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10857368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use skin treatment that could help people with age-related vision problems by stopping the growth of harmful blood vessels in the eye, making it a friendlier option than current injections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $436,695 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036027-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10857368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration or similar retinal vascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of retinal diseases that do not involve neovascularization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive topical treatment to deliver hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) inhibitors for patients suffering from retinal and choroidal vascular diseases, particularly neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The approach aims to provide a self-administered therapy that can effectively prevent the growth of harmful blood vessels in the eye, which is a common complication of nAMD. By targeting HIF-1, the research seeks to improve upon existing injectable therapies that have limitations in long-term effectiveness and patient adherence. The methodology involves ensuring that the drug can be delivered at therapeutic levels without toxicity, using animal models to test its efficacy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and convenient treatment option for patients with retinal diseases, potentially improving their vision and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting HIF-1 for treating retinal diseases, indicating that this approach may have a solid foundation for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ensign, Laura — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ensign, Laura
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Topical HIF-1 inhibitors to treat retinal and choroidal vascular diseases
A Johns Hopkins team is testing eye drops that block HIF-1 to help people with retinal and choroidal blood vessel problems respond better to treatment.
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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.