A new nerve conduit that releases medication to help heal severe nerve injuries
Tacrolimus-eluting nerve guidance conduit for enhanced regeneration in critical-sized peripheral nerve injuries
This study is testing a new biodegradable device that helps heal nerve injuries by slowly releasing a medicine called FK506, which protects nerves and could improve recovery for people who have had accidents or surgeries that damaged their nerves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Microsurgical Innovations, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11070031 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a biodegradable nerve conduit that releases FK506, a medication known for its neuroprotective properties, to enhance the healing process of peripheral nerve injuries. These injuries can occur due to accidents or surgeries and often lead to chronic pain and disabilities. The project aims to optimize the manufacturing process, validate the conduit’s effectiveness in animal models, and ensure its safety for future clinical trials. By delivering FK506 directly to the injury site, the conduit is designed to create a favorable environment for nerve regeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced critical-sized peripheral nerve injuries due to trauma or surgical procedures.
Not a fit: Patients with minor nerve injuries or those whose injuries are not critical-sized may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with severe peripheral nerve injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using drug-eluting conduits for nerve repair, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Microsurgical Innovations, INC. — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azapagic, Azur — Microsurgical Innovations, INC.
- Study coordinator: Azapagic, Azur
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.