RPB-Supported Researcher Makes Progress on Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Researchers at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine have published new evidence that an experimental drug may prevent or slow vision loss in people with diabetes. The results are from a study led by RPB grantee Dr. Akrit Sodhi, who has been awarded multiple RPB grants over his career, including an RPB Physician-Scientist Award, an RPB Special Scholar Award and an RPB Career Development Award.

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, shows that a compound called 32-134D, prevented diabetic retinal vascular disease by decreasing levels of a protein called HIF, or hypoxia-inducible factor. Doses of 32-134D also appeared to be safer than another treatment that also targets HIF and is under investigation to treat diabetic eye disease.

"Without the support of RPB, it is unlikely we would have been able to develop this therapy, which we hope will improve the vision (and lives) of our patients,” said Dr. Sodhi.

To learn more about this study, read the Johns Hopkins Medicine press release.

July 27, 2023