# Dual Targeting Mitochondria and GPCR in Retinal Protection

> **NIH NIH R43** · ARGOS VISION INC. · 2022 · $255,710

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Treatment for retinal degeneration that deteriorates photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells
remains limited to date. A significant challenge for therapeutic design in retinal protection is the complexity of
degenerative mechanism. Single target intervention would not be effective to slow down or modify the
degenerative course due to compensatory mechanisms of disease-related pathways. Multi-target intervention is
increasingly important for effective treatment of complex disease including neurodegeneration. However,
compounds with bioactivity that can intervene more than one disease-related pathways in retinal degeneration
have not been explored. In this proposal, we will conduct in vivo therapeutic testing of a multi-target drug (CM-
20) in retinal protection via dual targeting both mitochondria and a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) to improve
mitochondrial function and biogenesis and to mitigate retinal oxidative damage. Two mouse models of retinal
degeneration will be used. One is an environmental stressor-induced retinal degeneration, and the other one is
a genetic model of inherited retinal disease. We will evaluate efficacy of CM-20 in protecting outer retina and
mitochondria and in reducing retinal oxidative stress. Positive outcomes would justify efficacy clinical trial in
human retinal degeneration and provide mechanistic knowledge in mechanism of action.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10383538
- **Project number:** 1R43EY033589-01
- **Recipient organization:** ARGOS VISION INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** John D Ash
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $255,710
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10383538

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10383538, Dual Targeting Mitochondria and GPCR in Retinal Protection (1R43EY033589-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10383538. Licensed CC0.

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