iVeena Gets $2M NEI Grant for Pediatric Myopia Therapy

iVeena Delivery Systems has been awarded a $2 million Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the National Eye Institute (NEI). The grant will support the continued development of iVeena’s novel eye drop therapy aimed at controlling pediatric myopia and other refractive disorders.

Overview of iVeena’s Pediatric Myopia Therapy

iVeena’s investigational therapy consists of a preservative-free, prescription eye drop formulated to slow or halt the progression of myopia in children. Unlike currently available off-label treatments, iVeena’s approach enhances corneal and scleral crosslinking, key structural components of the eye, without the typical dilation and anticholinergic side effects associated with existing pharmacologic options.

NEI-Funded Research Led by Dr. Sarah Molokhia

The research supported by the NEI grant is being led by Dr. Sarah Molokhia, Vice President of Research & Development at iVeena and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics at the University of Utah. The project, titled “Topical Eyedrops Increasing Lysyl Oxidase and Dopamine Activity to Control Myopia” (Award number: 2R44EY034770-02), aims to further investigate the underlying disease mechanisms of myopia and evaluate the potential of iVeena’s therapy to slow or prevent its progression in children.

Dr. Molokhia expressed appreciation for NEI’s continued support, stating:
“The NEI has been extremely supportive of our research, and we are very grateful for their continued partnership. This grant allows us to advance our program and better understand how our proprietary eye drops may transform the treatment of pediatric myopia.”