A lab-made, non-animal blood thinner to replace heparin
Sulfated Poly-Amido-Saccharide (sulPAS) Biomaterials as Anticoagulants
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · NIH-11137729
This project develops a precisely made, non-animal blood thinner meant to help people who need anticoagulation for surgery or to treat blood clots.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137729 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are making a new carbohydrate-based polymer (sulfated poly-amido-saccharides) that is designed to act like heparin but without using animal sources. The team chemically synthesizes these polymers with consistent sizes and then adds sulfate groups so they bind clotting proteins. The materials are tested in lab clotting assays, in ex vivo blood or plasma experiments, and in animal models to measure how well they prevent clots and whether they cause bleeding or immune reactions. The work aims to define the molecular way these polymers work and to compare their safety and activity to heparin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who need anticoagulation during surgery, have venous blood clots, or cannot use heparin because of reactions (like heparin-induced thrombocytopenia) could be candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Because this is early-stage preclinical work, people with active bleeding or those seeking immediate treatment should not expect direct personal benefit now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a reliable, non-animal anticoagulant with more consistent dosing and a lower risk of heparin-related complications.
How similar studies have performed: There are some synthetic heparin-like drugs and alternative anticoagulants, but this specific sulfated polymer approach is novel and primarily at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRINSTAFF, MARK W. — BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- Study coordinator: GRINSTAFF, MARK W.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.