Could a tiny eye implant save your sight from glaucoma?

NCT ID NCT02862938

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests a small implant (NT-501) placed inside the eye to protect nerve cells and slow vision loss in people with glaucoma. 54 participants will either get the implant or a sham surgery, and their vision will be tracked for 2 years. The implant releases a protein that may keep retinal cells alive longer.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: NT-501 encapsulated cell therapy implant
What this could lead to: If successful, this implant could slow or stop vision loss in glaucoma patients by continuously delivering protective proteins to the eye.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial (54 people) with a sham surgery control. The implant requires eye surgery, which carries risks like infection or implant issues. Results may not confirm benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glaucoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

GLAUCOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University

Palo Alto, California, 94303, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.