Using ultrasound to restore vision in patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Official title: Sonogenetic Restoration of Vision for Retinitis Pigmentosa
Funded at Nanoscope Technologies, LLC · NIH-11077270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with Retinitis Pigmentosa regain some vision using ultrasound, which is a gentle sound wave technique, instead of surgery or gene therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nanoscope Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $786,257 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EY035026-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa who still have intact retinal ganglion cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have advanced degeneration of retinal cells beyond the point of intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores a novel approach to restore vision in patients suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) by using ultrasound stimulation. The study aims to sensitize specific retinal cells to ultrasound, allowing for targeted stimulation that could improve visual function. Unlike traditional methods that focus on gene therapy or invasive surgeries, this technique seeks to provide a non-invasive alternative to enhance vision in patients with retinal degeneration. The research will involve developing and testing this ultrasound-based method to determine its effectiveness and safety for potential clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive treatment option that restores vision for patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: While ultrasound stimulation for retinal treatment is a novel approach, preliminary studies in related fields have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Nanoscope Technologies, LLC
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohanty, Samarendra Kumar — Nanoscope Technologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Mohanty, Samarendra Kumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
-
Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
-
Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
-
Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
-
NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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.