A new injectable material to deliver heart-protecting proteins directly to the heart.
Official title: Catheter-injectable, engineered biomaterial for sustained Neuregulin-1 delivery to the myocardium
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11131794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gel that can be injected into the heart to slowly release a helpful protein for people who have had a heart attack, with the hope of making their recovery better and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $769,789 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173056-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a myocardial infarction or have other unrelated cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a biodegradable hydrogel that can be injected into the heart to deliver a protein therapy called neuregulin-1β. The hydrogel is designed to provide sustained release of the protein, overcoming challenges associated with traditional delivery methods that often result in rapid clearance and low effectiveness. By using a unique molecular structure that combines hyaluronic acid and lipids, the hydrogel aims to enhance the localization and bioactivity of the therapy, potentially improving outcomes for patients who have suffered a heart attack.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients recovering from myocardial infarction by improving the delivery of heart-protecting therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using injectable biomaterials for localized drug delivery, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heilshorn, Sarah C — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Heilshorn, Sarah C
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.