BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research program has awarded a two-year, $150,000 grant to Myoungsup Sim, PhD, a Duke Research Scientist in the Liton lab, for his innovative research in vision health.
A summary of Dr. Sim’s project, “Cilia-Driven Nitric Oxide Pathways as a New Strategy for Glaucoma,” is below:
We aim to develop safer, longer-lasting glaucoma treatments by restoring the eye’s own nitric oxide (NO) production. By targeting tiny sensory organelles called primary cilia with a selective enzyme inhibitor, we seek to enhance fluid drainage and lower eye pressure naturally.
Around 4 million U.S. adults have glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. caused by damage to the optic nerve. Because there are often no early symptoms, as many as half of those affected may not even know they have it until irreversible vision loss has occurred. Early detection and treatments can help slow the disease’s progression.
BrightFocus is supporting 31 active glaucoma research grants across the globe, a $5.6 million investment in promising studies toward improving early disease detection and diagnosis, helping to develop effective treatments, and developing a better understanding of the root causes of disease onset. Grants are highly competitive, with decisions guided by scientific advisory committees of leading researchers in the field.
“Because glaucoma can progress without warning, bold ideas are essential to advancing earlier detection, more effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,” said Stacy Pagos Haller, president and CEO of BrightFocusFoundation. “The cutting-edge ideas being pursued by this year’s grant recipients represent meaningful momentum toward preserving vision and stopping this disease.”
BrightFocus Foundation is a premier private nonprofit funder of early-stage research around the world to discover cures for diseases of mind and sight. Through its programs Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research, the Foundation has awarded more than $310 million in innovative research grants. Learn more at brightfocus.org.